It means we need to empty ourselves of all of those things that drive us to distraction because they are distractions and create an empty space that is already full of the presence of God if we would but hear him. Once we do that it becomes so easy to recognize the need for Christ-like behavior in our own lives, but we do it a lot more easily than others. Yet, it is a lot easier to recognize it than it is to do it. Being a disciple may have some spiritual benefits. But the economic costs seem more than most of us are willing to pay.
Discipleship is high and costly work.
It means paying attention, acting in the moment, persisting in spite of the hardship and letting go of our need for glory. And then even in this lesson we are promised that the end of time is not a wonderful thing. In Malachi, for example, the day is coming, burning like an oven when all the evil doers will be stubble. And then Jesus says in Luke, the day will come when not one stone will be left upon another, all will be thrown down. This will give you an opportunity to testify.