When we read through the scriptures and learn how godly people are to walk, there are just some things that are hard to imagine. I have made a short list of things that would seem so strange to proceed from the mouth of a Christian, yet I wonder how true they might actually be:

How can I do less for the Lord and still get by as being faithful?

How can I be faithful and still put my desires ahead of the Lord?

How can I fulfill my duty to sing praises to God without actually opening my mouth?

How can I be there for my brethren when I don’t want to be around them?

How can I convey to others that I have joy in being a Christian without ever smiling?

How can I fret about every little thing, yet tell people that I have the peace that passes all understanding?

How can I develop my abilities without ever volunteering to do anything?

How can I convey to the lost that I want them saved, but I refuse to talk to anyone?

How can I claim that I build others up, when all I do is criticize them?

How can I complain about people not being friendly to me when I am not friendly to them?

How can I be a positive example to my children when my actions at home don’t match my actions at worship?

How can I give to the Lord as little as I can and be happy with that, knowing I ought to give more?

This list could go on and on. The point I want us to see is that even though these can’t be done, it doesn’t mean people are not trying. Yes, it is futile, but as long as people convince themselves that they might be able to do it, they will continue to try. When Jesus said that no one can serve two masters, this didn’t stop people from trying (Matt. 6:24).

This reminds me of what James wrote, “Out of the same mouth proceed blessings and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring can yield both salt water and fresh.” (Jas. 3:10-12).  You might argue that a person can cuss and say blessings. That is true, however, you can’t utter blessings and feel there are times when you can cuss.

There is a reason the word hypocrisy is found so much within the word of God. Such play acting is taken place by many in the spiritual realm. We all need to make sure we haven’t become such good actors that we have fooled ourselves. This is why self-evaluation is vital for the Christian (II Cor. 13:5).  The reason saints are told not to be deceived is because many are (II Tim. 3:13).

When you read the twelve statements listed at the beginning of this article, you can’t help but realize people actually think these things. If we are not going to learn, we will be in for a rude awakening come judgment day.

Chuck

Jesus, during His sermon on the mount (Matt. 5-7), preached many great lessons. One of which is found in chapter 5:38-42. This is where the Lord encourages His followers to resist the urge to be vindictive, to turn the other cheek, and go the extra mile. What we will do with this article is to examine the benefits of doing what the Lord is admonishing us to do.

It is what the Lord wants

Even though there are many good reasons to go the extra mile with someone, it really wouldn’t matter if we knew what they were. The truth is, if the Lord tells us to do it and we do, the greatest benefit is knowing it is what our Savior wants. For those who say they love Jesus, it ought to mean they want to keep His commandments (Jn. 14:15). It’s okay to think of, why does He want us to do it? But just the fact He tells us too is more than sufficient.

It is what the Lord did with us

Think about the time before we became a Christian, we were without strength, having no hope, walking in sin (Rom. 5:6-11). It was as though we were crucifying Christ anew not caring for Him at all (Heb. 6:6). Yet, Jesus didn’t give up on us. By His longsuffering and undying love, we who have obeyed the Gospel are so very grateful that Jesus didn’t turn His back on us. As we can see, our Lord has not asked us to do anything that He hasn’t already done. Christ has provided the perfect example for us to follow (I Pet. 2:21).

It is to let our light shine

Whenever saints let their light shine, the goal is to have them glorify God (Matt. 5:16). This good work might not impress most people, but the hope is that by going the extra mile people can witness your godliness and change themselves. Jesus made the point that if you just love those who love you, what is so great about that, even the tax collectors do the same (Matt. 5:46). As children of God, we are to be different and not conform to the world (Rom. 12:1-2).

It is to help Christians get stronger

There is nothing in the Lord’s admonition that insinuates that it is an easy task. After all, there wasn’t a clause that stated that you go the second mile when it is appreciated. James reminds us that we ought to count it all joy when we face all kinds of temptations because they help us become stronger when we overcome them (Jas. 1:2-4). It would be correct to say that Jesus tells us to do these things because He wants us to make it to heaven. The commands of our Lord, always and I mean always, have out best interest in heart.

It helps us accept our abilities

For Jesus to tell his people to do something that they couldn’t do, would make the Lord unjust. Christians are to do only what they are capable of doing and we are capable of going the second mile. That’s was the point of Christ’s lesson about the man who buried his talent (Matt. 25:24-26). We are not to bury our talent. To not do what we are commanded is to second guess our Savior. If we would see what our God sees in us, perhaps we would do much more for the Lord.

It will show just how much we care for others

Christ stated there are two laws that every other command hinges on and that is to love the Lord God and to love our fellow man (Matt. 22:34-40). There is no question that your love for others are clearly demonstrated when you go the second mile. Having learned all the benefits of doing what we are told, remember the Lord said to and that is more than enough.

Daniel