In Gladiator, Proximo advises Maximus: "Win the crowd, win your freedom." This worldly wisdom contrasts sharply with Christ's way. Thomas à Kempis writes, "Jesus has always many who love His heavenly kingdom, but few who bear His cross." How often do we embrace Jesus's blessings yet waver when hardship comes? Jesus doesn't call us to please crowds but to follow Him through suffering. By embracing Christ's cross daily, we win something far greater than approval—we win His King