And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Matt 5:41

A well understood practice in military leadership is that “the minimum that you inspect is the maximum that you can expect.” The same may be said of basic standards and mastery requirements. The one who meets the standard or makes the mark are recognized as successful. Those who overachieve, exceed, or excel consistently are considered champions for a cause. Champions strive for excellence and embrace opportunities to excel. They press themselves beyond the mark and go the extra mile. The scripture passage teaches us to be ready to give of ourselves what is required, but also go beyond what is expected. Jesus teaches His disciples to know their duty, to do what is asked of them. The performance of their duty “compel thee to go a mile” they have little choice. He encourages them to do what is a matter of choice, “go with him twain.”  The first mile is a matter of duty. The second is a matter of choice. He teaches them to choose at the onset to meet and exceed what is expected so “that they (others) may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Mt 5:16). Those who witnessed the miracles and teachings of Jesus marveled at His miraculous accomplishments and testified “for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with him” (Mt 3:2). Jesus considered every occasion as an opportunity to glorify the Father and “for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross” (Heb 12:2). He went the extra mile. He went outside the gate, to Golgotha’s hill, to suffer and die for the sin of the world. He did it not for duty, but for the Father’s delight. My Friend, “delight yourself in the Lord” and consider every occasion as an opportunity for service to Kingdom service. “Set your mind on things above” to serve the Kingdom agenda and “do it heartily, as to the Lord” (Col 3:23) with sincerity and reverence to God. Choose to go the extra mile of service to the Lord and give God praise for the opportunity. Father, thank You for the health, strength, and opportunity to serve You. May the “joy of Your salvation” shine brightly before others that men may glorify You and exalt the Name of Jesus. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.