Going the Extra Mile
Matthew 5:38-42 “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 one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. (ESV)
So often, the way we respond to others barely rises above the threshold of mediocrity. What do I mean by this? Let me illustrate. As a child, whenever my parents told me to clean my room, I would try my “hardest” to do the least amount of work possible, hoping to still pass my mother’s inspection. With trash hiding under the bed, toys shoved chaotically in the closet, and dirty clothes piled in a corner, it somehow never worked out as planned. Sadly, this attitude of “just getting by” spilled over into how I approached my schoolwork as well.
Such carelessness can easily seep into how we live and how we treat others. As a Christian, I am not called to pursue the most convenient path in life, nor am I to be apathetic in my sphere of influence. In the verses above, Jesus reveals how true Christianity responds to suffering, mistreatment, and inconvenience. It is not the norm, but it is necessary if a believer is to make a profound impact on someone’s heart for the gospel’s sake.
I’ve often heard it said, “Don’t just talk the talk, but walk the walk.” The question is: How far are we to walk until our lives don’t just make a subtle difference, but become a powerful witness? What if after meeting a struggling person in need of food and clothing, I choose to give him food that is barely edible and clothes that are nearly worn-out? This conveys a halfhearted effort on my part and I may fool myself into thinking I’ve done something extraordinary, but in reality, I’ve acted more like a petty pharisee.
How about you? Are you willing, if necessary, to sacrifice a little more so that God’s love penetrates deeply into someone’s life? Are you willing to face mistreatment with a smile and a heart of forgiveness so that the grace and glory of God shine even brighter? I end with this simple yet vital reminder: Don’t just make every opportunity count—make every opportunity Christ-like.
