Friday, May 27, 2022

The Second Mile

Matthew 5:38-42 (NKJV)

You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.


In Jesus’ day Roman soldiers would carry their gear to their work station. This could sometimes be a significant journey. A Roman law stated that a soldier could conscript anyone 12 years or older to carry his gear for 1000 paces (a Roman mile, slightly less than our mile). At that point you could set it down and leave.


In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus advocated that instead of dropping the soldier’s gear at the one-mile point, carry it for him a second mile. In principle that could mean further than a second mile, i.e., to be keen to that soldier’s need and show kindness, even if you were legally conscripted to carry his gear. He may be weary. He may have been injured in the line of duty. And yes, he could simply be a jerk.😊 But your kindness to go above and beyond will speak volumes.


This exemplifies Jesus’ definition of a profitable servant.

Luke 17:7-10

Which of you, who has a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, “Come at once, sit down and eat”? Rather, he [the employer] will tell him, “Prepare something for my supper, gird yourself, serve me till I have finished, and afterward you can eat.” Does he thank that servant because he did what was commanded? No!. Likewise, when you have done all you are commanded, say, “We are unprofitable servants. We have done [only] what was our duty to do.


Jesus commended someone as profitable who went above and beyond their duty and responsibility, who exceeded expectations and even met a need before it was asked. Whether it be Barnabus who took Paul under his wing when the rest of the churches didn’t trust him, or whether it was David’s three soldiers who broke through enemy lines just to bring him a glass of water from Bethlehem, these people who go the second mile are far more valuable than they realize and are noticed by God.

Second-Mile Character Traits

A second-mile person:

  • Is alert to meet the needs of others before they are asked.

  • Manages well the expectations of those to whom they are responsible.

  • Is proactive in communication.

  • Sometimes helps others creatively or subtly, knowing they might be embarrassed to be helped directly.


This doesn’t mean that one simply goes out looking for any random opportunity to offer a second-mile charity. The Bible balances principles of prudence, wisdom and equity. For instance, if someone perceives you are a second-mile person, and it’s easy to tell they would take advantage of that, it may be best to avoid them.


Second-mile opportunities usually present themselves readily and as part of life. Ask God to keep your spirit and will attune to the right moments to give to others the right help, which sometimes can simply be an alert.

The Unjust Steward

Even someone who at one time was unjust can become a second-mile person. In Luke 16 (the parable of the unjust steward) a rich man was on the verge of firing his wasteful steward. Fearful of losing his job, this motivated the steward to kick in gear, take the initiative and become proactive. He summoned debtors and had them pay just what they could. This immediately brought income into his master’s estate, who then commended his steward.

Rags to Spiritual Riches

Perhaps the greatest example in scripture of someone who went from the worst to the best second-mile leader is the Apostle Paul. Other notable comebacks in scripture were Jacob, Zaccheus, John Mark and the Apostle Peter. They all came back from failure and became extraordinary second-mile contributors to God’s kingdom.


Daniel

One of the most notable second-mile heroes in Scripture is Daniel. A young man in captivity, he was recorded as having an “excellent spirit”. His demeanor to those over him was always of the highest caliber. He cared about their objectives. In fact, he loved King Darius, often saluting him with “O king, live forever!” This moved the king to love him as well, crying all night and praying for Daniel after being tricked to throw him in the lion’s den. Daniel’s character and life was one of continual second-mile proacting and support.

Second-Mile Commitments

If you have a burden to be a person above and beyond in God’s kingdom, consider the following:

  • The commitment to being a second-mile person usually means opportunities come when it is least convenient. You won’t excel at second-mile achievements and prize leisure greater.

  • Avoid the temptation to minimize or forget a need you know in your heart should be done.

  • If you see a need that no one else knows about at the moment, and if you know it’s a need you should consider, do what it takes to meet that need. It often takes effort and requires supplying your own resources to meet the need.

  • If you are responsible for communicating to someone, don’t wait to be asked. Obviously, don’t over-communicate, but also don’t wait, especially when you are prompted in your conscience.

In Summary

The Second Mile:

  • It’s not simply a set of actions and duties. It is an awareness, a sensitivity, a desire to please, a commitment and in time, second nature.

  • Second-mile blessings and sub-first-mile disappointments have a magnified effect on those who are in a trial and need it most.

  • It’s guaranteed to reap good things for you in the future, not that it’s why you go the second-mile.

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