What Is An "Extra Mile?"

Jesus' words in Matthew are a few of our favorites, when it comes to getting things that we want. We love to tell people that they need to "go the extra mile," when we're feeling swamped and out of gas, and we just wish that person would do a little more than what they are currently doing.

However, when I put this phrase into perspective with Paul's words in his letter to the church in Thessalonica, I can't help but ask myself, "Was Jesus really trying to get us to teach other people how to go the extra mile?" I have to say that after hearing Paul's words, "try even harder," (v.1) and "do even more" (v.10), I don't believe that it was Paul's ambition for us to "spur each other on" in this way.

I am convinced that in matters of "extra mile" behavior, each of us is responsible to listen to the conviction of the Spirit, and know what "even more" truly is for us in our Spiritual journey. If we struggle with guilty consciences when we ask ourselves if we're "trying even harder," then I would submit that we have not gone more than an "extra foot" at best.

savvy?
grace and peace,

-jeff

Created over 1 year ago