Go the extra mile—compelling

“And whosover shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain." (Matthew 5:41)

Jesus used strong, active words when teaching his disciples and us to bless one another. Compel is a readiness and willingness to submit to inconvenience or unreasonable demands.  Do you squirm a bit when asked to do something inconvenient?   Do you slither away from unreasonable demands?   Are you willing to give up time, apathy, self-justification, and selfishness?  Will you go a mile with the whoevers in your life—your neighbor, your co-worker, your family, your church members or even a stranger?  Are you compelled to do twice as much as is expected of you?

I have seen countless examples of individuals going the extra mile—at church, for instance: volunteers stepping in to substitute read as First or Second Reader; men and women saying “yes” to a term as a Reader, clerk, treasurer, Sunday school teacher, usher, or working in the Reading Room—even though they have done it for a hundred years; giving a hug spontaneously to someone who needs one; putting together Wednesday evening readings that touch each soul present; creating lively lessons for the little ones; sharing testimonies on Wednesday evenings or giving insights to the metaphysical committee.

There are many miles ahead of each one of us and going extra miles can be daunting.  But knowing that God, our dearest friend and companion is always by our side, carrying us if we need a lift, shepherding us if we have lost our way, pulling us up if we have slipped, gives us courage and compels us to meet each demand with love and joy.

Come on…Go the extra mile.  You will bless and be blessed.

Miles and miles, Ann Blamey