The Kingdom of God: Two Miles Ahead
“If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.”
Matthew 5:41
Have you considered that your walk with Christ, to a great extent, is a matter of self-discipline to apply biblical principles? The day-to-day choice to follow scripture is self-discipline— and it its application is critical to the Kingdom of God. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke the above teaching; it was a reference to the fact that Jews at the time of Jesus could be conscripted to carry the luggage of the ruling Roman soldiers for one mile. Jesus’s teaching to go beyond what is required of you also applies to our walk with Christ.
God expects us to walk the first mile in His Kingdom before we walk the second. This rule the Jews had to follow was a requirement— it was a law, and carried a penalty for disobeying. God also has requirements for us that we need to follow. What are they? They can be found throughout the Bible, but some are:
“Love your neighbors as yourself”
”Forgive, even as Christ has forgiven you”
”Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but humility consider others better than yourself. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Just as every loving parent has expectations and requirements of their children, so too does God.
It’s in the second mile that a disciple will have the greatest influence for the Kingdom of God. Going above and beyond the basic requirements of Christians will cause others to take notice. When you remain faithful to God in the heat of circumstances, when you face pressure and still stand tall to give God praise, you’re in the second mile, and other people will look to you.
In the second mile, you walk onto the plain of abundant life. Many Christians are saved and are headed for heaven, but they miss the abundant life around them. Listen closely to the voice of the Spirit for blessing that are only found when you go beyond the basic. The Holy Spirit will lead you to speak the right words at the right time, or be in the right place at the right time to help others for the Kingdom of God. Don’t miss the blessings God spreads to you and through you for walking in the second mile.