Go the Extra Mile - Give Extra Effort

You have heard that it was said, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.  But I say to you, Do not resist the evil man [who injures you]; but if anyone strikes you on the right jaw or cheek, turn to him the other one too.  And if anyone wants to sue you and take your undershirt (tunic), let him have your coat also.  And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two [miles]. Matthew 5:38-41 Amplified

On a hot day along a dusty road it may be difficult to walk one mile…carrying someone’s pack. So going two miles or more may be even more arduous. But that is just what Jesus is suggesting…go the extra mile—turn the other cheek—do more than is expected of you. At work—give extra effort. If something seems “good enough,” it isn’t. Do your best, not just good enough. I like this verse…Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23 NLT. (See December 29, 2013 blog post.) It reminds me of the first time I heard that verse and was battling with a bad attitude about ironing my husband’s work shirts. When I started ironing them…as if ironing them for Jesus Himself, suddenly it wasn’t such a horrible task and my servant hood attitude changed. I try to apply that same attitude to all my housework…even cleaning toilets. If it seems just good enough—it isn’t. Clean the floors, toilet, and walls as sparkling clean as I would if Jesus were going to visit today. Is that like going an extra mile?   

RSVP: Jesus is calling us to do more than is expected of us. What can we do beyond what He wants us to do for Him? Helping others, serving, giving, and teaching others about Him? How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ I thank you Christ Jesus my Lord, for You have given me strength to do Your work. You considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve You…1 Timothy 1:12 NLT. Give me skill and vision to see beyond myself, to have a good attitude and be willing to give extra effort to anything I do.

Happy 35^th Anniversary—Joe & Deb.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.