The second mile.
The idea of this post popped into my head last night and I just knew that I should write about it!
The story behind going the ‘second mile’ comes from Roman times. A long time ago, Romans could require non-Romans to carry their gear for them for one mile. After a mile, the Roman had to take back what was his and continue on, carrying it himself.
Christ had interesting encouragement regarding this – He said, “If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles.”
Thus, the idea of going the second mile is to go above and beyond. Anyone can achieve bare minimum, but far fewer will press on to help, serve, or encourage another.
Half of learning to go the second mile is recognizing it as such. If we cannot spot it, we cannot pursue it! It is essential that we acquire and learn the skill of perceiving a good second mile to conquer. While you are at it, find a third and a fourth.
For others
Someone recently told me that in general, you can’t be too nice to others. (obviously this applies to like-minded, Christians – brothers, sisters, parents, family and close friends – this does not include hitchhikers and the like, those are best left to your father) Being nice might include being kind, agreeable, helpful, kind, encouraging, understanding, etc. We all need love shown to us in this way – and I don’t think we can ever get enough of it!
In much the same way, I don’t believe that we can ever go too many second miles for another. No, it won’t always be easy for us, but the fact of the matter is that if we only did it when it was easy then it wouldn’t count as the first mile!
We must remember that as we serve others, we are actually serving God! I love to remind myself of this! Especially when I can’t locate what I find compelling motivation to pursue a second mile in a situation. I have to remember to look to Him and remember that I want my performance to bring glory to His name!
So how can you learn to spot second mile opportunities in your life? First off, pray and ask God that He might reveal them to you! They are certainly there – of that you can be sure. Next, start looking at situations with new eyes. What is the nicest thing you might do for another? How might you help someone who really needs it? Perhaps you have noticed someone who wants to learn about something you excel in – offer to tell them a bit about it!
Always something
There is always something that you can do for others. It might be as simple as a kind word and a smile or it might be as complex as helping them clean their house. Go the second mile with grace and kindness. As you recognize second, third and even fourth miles that you could go, don’t grow weary.
If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return. Love your enemies! Do good to them.
Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for He is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. – Matthew 6:32-36
Now in our lives, I don’t really think we have what I would consider enemies. To me, enemies are what Soldiers encounter in battle, civilians don’t typically come across them. Perhaps our enemies are better described as difficult people or jobs that we might not choose.
As the Scripture says, anyone can like what they are inclined to like – there is no victory there. But can you learn to like the opportunities that are presented to you? Will you discover how to find joy in the jobs that aren’t your favorite? And those people that you might find difficult – will you keep working on yourself and encouraging them so as to inspire a good relationship? No, these things aren’t easy, but if they were, where would be the victory?!
Go the second mile
Let’s work on this together! It will be a lifelong pursuit, but let’s search out ways to go above and beyond, to go the second mile to bring glory to God’s name. Let’s give our best for God and for those He has placed in our lives!
May God bless you with renewed strength for this and with enthusiasm to search for opportunities in the days ahead!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. As always, feel free to share your ideas below! Have you had any special insight or encouragement on how to pursue the second mile that might encourage us? Please share! Ooh, and I think you’ll enjoy this post too: https://www.theamericanlady.com/2016/12/05/theres-always-room-at-the-top/