As a child I hated doing extra work. There was a neighbor who was elderly and had a long drive. My mother would tell me that when I was done shoveling our driveway to go and shovel our neighbor’s. She did not pay me for shoveling which would make me more upset. My mother told me that whenever I had the opportunity to help someone else that I should do it with a smile on my face. Mad and cold, I would shovel the neighbor’s driveway. However, the more I did it the easier it was to do nice things for people or go the extra mile.
The idea of going the extra mile is something that Jesus told his disciples to do when He was here on earth. Jesus told the disciples in Matthew 5:38- 42, that if someone slaps you on one cheek to turn the other cheek. If someone wants your shirt, then give them your coat. If someone wants you to give them a ride, then give them a ride both ways and not just one way (this is me paraphrasing). With all the hate that I see in the world, I believe it is time, more than ever to go the extra mile. Loving and forgiving the person that broke your heart, the friend that stole money from you, the family member that disrespects you and anyone else that you believe does not need the extra mile.
When we go the extra mile, it shows the love of Jesus in our hearts. The more extra miles we go the more fit we will be in Christ. What do I mean? I think about working out. I hate walking or running long distances so whenever someone ask me to walk an extra mile when exercising I want to say no. However, I am learning that in the extra mile is where I see my best results. In the extra mile of exercising it might hurt at first but the more I walk or run that extra mile, the easier it becomes and the better I feel and look.
The same is true for our spiritual life. The more we go the extra mile in our praise, our worship, our outreach, or our devotion, the better we will feel and the closer we get to God. Jesus went the extra mile. Jesus came to earth, lived a sinless life and then died for the entire human race so that someone would choose Him. John 3:16 tells us about the how much God loved us that He went the extra mile, to give someone the chance to accept Him and His love. So my question is will you join me and choose Christ? Will you choose to go the extra mile?
Until Next Time,
Elyse
Matthew 5: 38-42 ” “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.”
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
