Friday; October 13

Have you ever heard of “second mile thinking”?  The idea is built around Jesus’ instruction in the Sermon On The Mount, “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.”.  (Matthew 6:38-42)  The basic concept is that when we voluntarily inconvenience ourselves to help others we find more joy in life.  This philosophy (which is being used in various industries and organizations) basically puts a new spin on service.  The other day I heard someone say, “You cannot enslave someone who volunteers to serve.”.  When we feel compelled to do something as a chore we are apt to feel burdened; but, when we make a choice that benefits others we experience a freedom that allows us to do things for them because we want to do so.   In the end, when we merely do enough to get by the best we can do is meet expectations, but when we live for the second mile it provides us with the joy of surpassing the expectations.
Are we merely doing what we have to do because we have to do it?  If so, we are missing out on a freeing and fulfilling life.
Think about it!

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