Did you miss Second mile (I)?

The book of Philemon tells of a slave named Onesimus who had run away, but was later converted by Paul and sent back to his master. "Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask." Philemon 1:21 – NIV. Would the apostle Paul be able to say the same things about us? Are we striving to do more than just the bare necessities?

Many people today will only work when they know someone is watching; others will only do their best when another is looking. The Philippians did more to obey, even when Paul wasn't around. I'm sure they realized that obeying the commands of Paul, meant much more than simply obeying Paul--It meant OBEYING GOD! It is also good to remember that God is always watching. (He doesn't sleep nor slumber.)

The churches of Macedonia also found a way in which they could go the "extra mile" (2 Cor. 8:1-5). They had a great interest in the work of the Lord. Even in a great ordeal of affliction and poverty, they gave of themselves and of their means to the cause of Christ. Just how much were they willing to do this? 2 Cor.8:4, "they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people."

As Christians, do we only want to do enough to get by on or do we want to strive to have that "second-mile religion"? Only you can make the difference. May it be our desire to give to God a greater service than we have ever given Him before. 2 Cor. 5:15, "and he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." Is it your desire to live for the Lord?

Second mile (I) || More