June 12 “Above and Beyond the Call of Duty” Matthew 5:41
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.” (Matthew 5:41)
Recently, Annette and I spent some much needed time in the mountains. It was a time of reflection and rest. This question came to my mind, “Are you witnessing and winning souls to Christ the way that you are supposed to?” As I contemplated the answer to this question, I also thought about another, “Do you want to greater things for God, now and in the future?” The scripture today says, “And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.” This makes it clear; at least to me; that I am to do more and to go further and to reach more people and to demonstrate, in words and actions, the amazing Love of God! By the way, I believe that I AM TO DO THIS WITHOUT “Grumbling and Complaining!” As we consider “Going the Extra Mile,” I think that we can divide the Human Race, into 3 categories. The first category would be those who live and perform below what is expected of them. Every day, we can see these folks, working from payday to payday, only doing what is required of them to maintain their jobs and when the Boss isn’t looking they do nothing. A visitor asked one Plant Manager, “How many people work in your plant?” He quickly replied, “Oh, about one out of ten!” The Second group consists of those who will do their duty, but no more! These folks are only going to do what is required and nothing more! The Third group, are the ones that the Bible speaks about in the scripture for today. They are willing and able to “Go the Extra Mile!” Wouldn’t it be great, if every Christian would, at least, be a “ONE MILER?” Can you imagine what would happen in the church, if every professing Christian would at least do what is required of them? Imagine the effect on the churches, our Nation, not to mention, the Kingdom of God! Let’s do a little “Supposing.” Suppose all Christians were “One Milers.” Church attendance would skyrocket. Suppose all members were “One Milers” in tithing. Suppose all church members were “One Milers” in witnessing. Friends, God can do even greater things through one who is willing to be a “Two Miler!” Jesus said; “A whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, GO WITH HIM TWAIN.” Folks, in order to be a “Two Miler,” we have to surrender all to God and be willing to be used by Him for greater things! It takes everything to be a “Second Miler,”….EVERYTHING!! Sometimes, you will feel like quitting, but if you want to be a success for our Lord, you have to remain faithful and focused on the task ahead! How many of you, right now, today, are going to pledge to God and to yourselves, that you will be a “TWO MILER?” TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…Remember, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!