Matthew 5:38-42
You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
I can remember as a teenager being asked by my parents to do some small task. I hate to confess, but I just did the bare minimum to be able to say I had done the job, but inside I knew I had not really done my best or even what was expected of me.
I am wondering what we do when we feel the Lord prompting us to do something? Do we plunge in with great enthusiasm and accomplish the task, or do we simply go about the motions without really giving our best to the Master?
I am told that in Jesus’ day, the Roman soldiers could compel an Israelite to carry their burden for them. There was a restriction. They could only compel them to carry the load for one mile. Early believers were urged to demonstrate their faith by giving more of themselves than was required.
How do you stack up in this area? Are you and I giving more than required? When asked do something, do we go over and beyond what was required? Do we show the spirit of Jesus on a daily basis? Think on these things.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil