The Second Mile Christian

Yesterday, during the morning sermon, Jamie was discussing "the second-mile Christian." The basic idea he was trying to teach us was that of devotion and commitment to God. Most people are content to be just a "first-mile" Christian. They agree with the idea that there are actions which must be accomplished if we say we are Christians. "But" they will say, "I will only do exactly what is commanded of me and nothing more." This kind of attitude really concerns me. Is there really any "only" as a Christian?

There are two things I want you to consider, Dear Reader:

1. Consider the text where Jamie began--Matthew 5:40-42

"If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat, also.

Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of

you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you."

Did y'all notice that this verse wasn't just a suggestion? If we were doing a grammar lesson here, it would be pointed out that the phrase "(you) let him have your coat, also" is a command. Interesting, yeah? Jamie is right about the idea that going the second mile is a sign of your commitment to God. If you're choosing to commit yourself fully to Christ--and I mean by that, to become a Christian--then you ought to always go the second mile--as a matter of course.

I've never understood why 20% of the people in the church do 80% of the work. It is usually said "tongue in cheek" but it is fully true in most cases. However, if every person who obeyed the Gospel went the second mile (as is commanded) then IMAGINE the work that could be done in spreading the border of God's kingdom?

2. Consider this Scripture: Matthew 22:36-39:

"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law? And He said to him

'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,

and with all your mind.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second

is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Just a thought--The first part of the above Scripture is covered by what was said earlier, so let's address the second half. "The second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Imagine if we treated everyone we ran across in the same self-preserving way that we treat ourselves. Imagine if we took care of the physical and emotional needs of our brothers and sisters--without hesitation. Imagine if we gave everyone else the same benefit of the doubt regarding their words and behavior that we give ourselves. Imagine if we did ALL of these things because that was part of what being a Christian was all about? Yeah--Imagine that!

Imagine this, also. I've said all that I have said and still haven't gotten down to the point I intended to make in this blog. It is a good thing I'm a woman and can't preach, yeah? I'd be making people mad all over the place for preaching too long. ;-P The main idea I wanted all of us to think about is this one: Is the second mile truly just an option for Christians who want to REALLY dedicate themselves to the service of God? OR, is the second mile what is EXPECTED of us by God? I truly believe that the second mile is a command. God expects us to do everything and anything we can to help our fellow human beings. I guess the question is: Do I? Do you?

Just some food for thought, Dear Readers.

Love y'all,

Loralee Fabulous :)