In yesterday’s Positive Minute, we were encouraged to store up intangible treasures such as God’s favor, doors opened for us, and being a trustworthy person. Receiving these gifts begins with the value of a heart that’s like an empty cup. This heart is ready to learn and receive from others. It’s not a heart that is arrogant or prideful. It’s a heart that reflects the Lord’s prayer by asking for forgiveness.

This reflection of God’s heart was less common in the Roman culture of Jesus’ day. Rome was known for promoting and boasting of its glory and accomplishments at any cost. One tradition of the Roman Empire was to make death masks made of wax for prominent Romans. The story goes that when Julius Caesar was a little boy, his father carried him on his shoulders and took him to the special place where the masks were held. His father showed him the family masks boasting of their accomplishments, then challenged his son by asking, “What will you do in your life?”

Friend, it was in this culture that Jesus expresses, “In this world, everybody exercises authority and is all about self-glory!” However, if you want to live in the Kingdom of God, you have to serve and be free from pride. Jesus moves in experiences we are not accustomed to by challenging the way we see things. He teaches us sound advice for a good life.