“We’re afraid if we give an inch, someone is going to take a mile. Jesus said if they ask for a mile, give them two.” ~Wes McAdams
As a student, I relied heavily on charts & tables for measurements and conversions. As time has moved on, one that has always stuck with me is, “How many feet are in one mile?” The answer is five thousand two hundred eighty feet! I have always been amazed at the idea that many feet make up a mile. Additionally, as a high school athlete, we had to sometimes run a mile. We were told four laps around the track make up a mile! As I contemplate the math and the endurance needed to run a mile, I have come to the conclusion a mile can be difficult to overcome depending on our situation.
We see so many people around us (maybe ourselves) on the journey of life attempting to go a mile but struggling to take a step! How does the Christian react to those in need physically, spiritually, and emotionally? Matthew 5:40-42 says, 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. We understand Christians are to help those in need, but we are not required to give foolishly or to someone who is lazy (2 Thessalonians 3:10). We know we are to assist and not to enable.
We may have reasons to be reluctant to assist someone in need, but we must be mindful of the opportunity to introduce or discuss Christ with someone. If someone is struggling to go a mile, chances are they would be willing to have a conversation about our Savior and how His love carries us through anything. Let us ask these questions of our life: What kind of message are we preaching with our life? Will we cause people to want to be drawn to the Savior, or will we drive them away from the Lord?
Through Jesus, we can offer a message of hope, peace, comfort, and salvation. Will you go the second mile?
