An Extra Mile

“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.” (Matthew 5:38-42 ESV). Mary and I have been privileged to travel to some exotic and extravagant destinations through the years. Perhaps the most memorable was in Maui when we spent a week at one of the beach front resorts. It seemed there was always some special treatment being given to us. One day we went to the beach, and before we could get seated, attendants brought us towels and ice water. When I went for a walk along the beach trail, as I re-entered the lobby, a bellman gave me a bottle of water. They kept surprising us with unexpected extra mile service. It was both wonderful and somewhat uncomfortable. After all, it was a stark reminder of how different “real” life was. However, this kind of service demands a greater degree of success. Any corporation, organization, or ministry, where extra mile service is a part of the culture, will have a greater impact for good. Extra mile service goes beyond what is expected. This is the principle of Jesus in our reading. Jesus said, “Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.” Rome ruled their culture, and it was legal for any Roman soldier to ask a civilian to help them carry their armor for one mile at any time. The people greatly resented it. So what Jesus taught, shocked them. But following Jesus calls for extra mile service. Even if you don’t follow Him, that service is always appreciated. Can you imagine the impact this kind of behavior would have in our culture? I wonder what would happen if everyone would take their carts back inside the store, instead of leaving them outside. Oh, I know there are people who get paid from our purchases to take the carts inside, but what would happen if we reversed that course. Or, what would happen if this concept were to become common place in our families. What would it be like if we not only cleaned up after ourselves, but the rest of the family as well? What would happen if we began to practice extra mile service at school or work? The shock might be too much for our teachers or employers! We might be greeted with skeptical doubt as to the motivation of our kindness. Like the wife who was greeted with flowers and chocolate when her husband came home from work, she responded by saying, “Have you been drinking?” Regardless of how unexpected it might be, make your commitment to go the extra mile today in your kindness and graciousness.