Adding An "S"!

Resistance and retaliation seem to be common reactions among mankind. Certainly we desire to be treated well and may not appreciate it when we feel others are trying to take advantage of us. However, even when others may not act properly toward us we are still encouraged to exercise a spirit of Christian love. Love appears to always be a right response. As Jesus was teaching against retaliation, one of the principles He shared (in what Matthew recorded as the “Sermon on the Mount”) was that of going the second mile.

Jesus stated…
“And if anyone forces you to go one MILE, go with him two MILES.” ( Matthew 5:41 ESV)

From this passage has come the principle of “going the extra MILE”; the act of being willing to do more than what was asked of us or going beyond the call of duty. Do you see how an “S” added to MILE puts our action where Jesus encouraged it? Nevertheless, is it still possible that we could go the extra MILE or MILES and yet do so without the spirit that would truly glorify God? We could go the two MILES and do it grudgingly with an attitude of getting it over with and satisfying our “duty”. Since it is very possible to carry out the actions without being happy about it, perhaps what we need to do is add the “S” to the beginning of MILE rather than at the end.

Paul exhorted…
“(14) DO ALL THINGS WITHOUT GRUMBLING OR QUESTIONING, (15) that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you SHINE AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD,” ( Philippians 2:14-15 ESV)

Let us put some cheer into our actions. Putting a shining SMILE in our service will not only have an impact on those we serve, but on our own disposition as well. Great joyfulness can be ours when all we do is done for the purpose of God’s glory and praise.

It is service with a SMILE that most clearly reflects the true servant’s heart? As children and servants of God, may that be the kind of spirit exhibited in the actions of our daily lives that He might be glorified.

Have a great day GOING THE EXTRA SMILE!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Joy