The
phrase in the last part of the title, comes from the sermon on
the mouth in Matthew 5:41 “And whoever compels you to go one mile,
go with him two.” What lies behind this is the Roman
soldier’s practice and right, to commandeer civilians to
carry their equipment for a mile. It was fiercely resented by
the Jews. I see this as a practical way to practice “as much as
possible live at peace with all” (Romans 12:18). When taken
literally, going the second mile would likely have aroused the
curiosity of the soldier. “Why are you doing this, you only needed
to go one mile?” 'Well it is something Jesus commanded us to do,
and I am a Christian …” In other words, it opened the possibility
of a conversation about the gospel, and possible reconciliation of
the soldier both with the Christian and with the Lord.
Of course we are not under Rome, so we don’t need to do this right? But to reject what Jesus is saying in this way, is to take the letter of what He is saying but not the spirit. The command is essentially to go above and beyond what is required. And if we are to apply this to the above command in Romans 12:18, then, for example, we may need to apologize for our part in what went wrong, even if the other person is not willing to take responsibility for their part. At our place of employment, we absolutely need to do all that is required, but more, we need to do it to the best of our ability, and when appropriate do even what is not expected (see Ephesians 6:5-8).
I qualified the last statement with “with when appropriate,” because it is more than possible to make a co-dependent interpretation of the sermon on the mount. In particular we should go the second mile, but perhaps not the third. I am talking here about boundary issues. When we are people pleasers, or operate out of “peace at any price,” frame of mind, we may in fact be teaching others to feel, and act entitled. That is they may act and feel as if the World owes them something, and not be willing to work on their issues. There were those like this in Thessalonica who were not even willing to work period. And Paul told the Thessalonians “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). In other words sometimes we need to limit going beyond the call of duty, because it takes away responsibility from the other person, and to do this to his or her harm. We also may need to limit this for our sanity and peace of mind!
Father, thank You again for the wisdom and balance of Your Word. We]e are people of extremes Lord. On the on hand we can use what I just said as an excuse not to go the second mile, and on the other hand we can go too far, burn out and/or fail to help the other person to take responsibility for their lives. Thank You for Your invitation to ask You for wisdom when we need it Lord (James 1:5), and I ask You again this morning Father, to search my heart and know my thoughts, and lead me in Your wisdom and Your ways (Psalm 139:23) in Jesus Name Amen
Of course we are not under Rome, so we don’t need to do this right? But to reject what Jesus is saying in this way, is to take the letter of what He is saying but not the spirit. The command is essentially to go above and beyond what is required. And if we are to apply this to the above command in Romans 12:18, then, for example, we may need to apologize for our part in what went wrong, even if the other person is not willing to take responsibility for their part. At our place of employment, we absolutely need to do all that is required, but more, we need to do it to the best of our ability, and when appropriate do even what is not expected (see Ephesians 6:5-8).
I qualified the last statement with “with when appropriate,” because it is more than possible to make a co-dependent interpretation of the sermon on the mount. In particular we should go the second mile, but perhaps not the third. I am talking here about boundary issues. When we are people pleasers, or operate out of “peace at any price,” frame of mind, we may in fact be teaching others to feel, and act entitled. That is they may act and feel as if the World owes them something, and not be willing to work on their issues. There were those like this in Thessalonica who were not even willing to work period. And Paul told the Thessalonians “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). In other words sometimes we need to limit going beyond the call of duty, because it takes away responsibility from the other person, and to do this to his or her harm. We also may need to limit this for our sanity and peace of mind!
Father, thank You again for the wisdom and balance of Your Word. We]e are people of extremes Lord. On the on hand we can use what I just said as an excuse not to go the second mile, and on the other hand we can go too far, burn out and/or fail to help the other person to take responsibility for their lives. Thank You for Your invitation to ask You for wisdom when we need it Lord (James 1:5), and I ask You again this morning Father, to search my heart and know my thoughts, and lead me in Your wisdom and Your ways (Psalm 139:23) in Jesus Name Amen
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