If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Matt 5:41 (NIV)

Job evaluations are scary things for the person being evaluated. The evaluator seems to always have the mindset of needing to find something negative. Because as we all know there is no one who does a perfect job all the time. One of the "ticks" that often go on an evaluation is that a person "does their job and only their job. They seldom venture to do extra. There are those who do extra and their devotion to the job is recognized.

In this day of cutbacks and layoffs it is falling on fewer workers to get more done. Just doing the job isn’t enough for the employer. Employees begin to feel taken advantage of but they have no recourse because they need their jobs. It is a difficult situation.

Jesus said that if you go the mile but are asked to go the second to do so with a glad heart and without complaining.

Fridays are good days for reflection on what has transpired during the week. Did you do your best work? Did you work without complaining? Did you give a little extra? Did you go the second mile without complaining?

God always goes the second mile with us. There have been times when we were not obedient and others that we were openly rebellious. He was patient with us and went the extra mile. Had He not been loving and gracious toward us our lives would have been harder. Instead of punishment He gave us blessings that we might know how much He loves us and because of those blessings we paused long enough to see how childish we were.

Sunday will soon be here. After the housework, the chores around the house, the shopping and the ballgames on Saturday don’t forget to be in His house to give thanks for His going the second mile with you. Be mindful to go the second mile with others; being patient and tolerant.