GOING THE EXTRA MILE
Well, the longer this season of the pandemic continues and we have to breath hot air behind our masks when we are out in the community and travel is restricted and events are changed, we really sometimes feel like all the measures we are being asked to endure of pretty tough. We know we have to but we’d rather not.
This reminds me of a principle Jesus taught us - the "going the extra mile" principle which encourages us to live from a generous heart. Jesus taught us not to do things simply out of a forced sense of obligation or from a bitter reaction to the bad behaviour of others. His standard for us is to show kindness, grace, and generosity in doing our duty and doing what we can to help our neighbours.
In Jesus’ day there was a much-hated custom that a soldier in the occupying army could enforce. An ordinary citizen could be ordered to carry a soldier’s heavy load for one mile. This was inconvenient, humiliating, and disruptive for the person. Jesus used this custom to help His followers understand the practice of going beyond what is required and living in a way that benefits and supports others, even when our own interests must be set aside.
If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile,
carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and
don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.
Matthew 5:41-42
There will always be circumstances and rules that stretch our kindness and patience and stir-up our character defects. Our choice is, will we react with anger and mean-spiritedness or will we go the extra mile?
Loving God. We want to be like Jesus. We say we are His followers and we want to act like it. Our hearts and lives are challenged by Jesus’ way as described in this Bible quote:
Jesus was equal with God.
But Jesus didn’t take
advantage of that fact.
Instead, he made himself nothing.
He did this by taking on
the nature of a servant.
He was made just like human beings.
He appeared as a man.
He was humble and
obeyed God completely.
He did this even though
it led to his death.
Even worse, he died on a cross!
Philippians 2:6b-8
Thank You God, that while we were still lost in our sin and rebellious ways, You took notice of us, and acted on our behalf. Thank you, Jesus for going the extra mile for us by dying on the cross to provide forgiveness for our sins and to restore us to eternal life with You forever.
We know that to follow Jesus in life means that we are also willing to go the extra mile on behalf of others. We also know it’s not easy to go that extra mile, particularly with people who irritate us and make unreasonable demands of my time or with conditions that seem to go on and on and to require a lot of extra bother and commitment.
You know all about this pandemic – it’s beginning, it’s widespread influence and suffering, the ups and downs of the curve from in whatever wave – first, second or third – that various countries are experiencing. You know the difficulty this imposes on so many families and businesses. We pray God that You will help us all keep You and one another in mind and do what we can today to the best of our ability and trust You with the rest. We can’t see beyond today but You can. We will concern ourselves with today’s needs and challenges. Tomorrow belongs to You.
Once again, please give us grace today to keep Your generous sacrifice in mind while we make small sacrifices of our own. Help us to walk in wisdom and with generosity throughout this day. Amen
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