Jesus dramatically illustrated the Christian life by using the example of “going the second mile.” In those days Palestine was under the rule of the Roman Empire. Law and order were maintained by Roman soldiers. Romans soldiers had the right to force any Jewish boy to carry their burdens one mile. No matter what the boy may be doing, he had to stop and carry a soldier’s total load. He carried the burden only one mile and then dropped the load and went his way, for he had been trained to do the minimum.
So it is today. The vast majority live by this rule: Do only what you have to do. Thus most students are satisfied with a grade of 70 – just enough to get by.
It was, therefore, a bombshell when Jesus comes along and commands every follower of his to be a “second miler.” He said “Whosoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him two” (Matthew 5:41). Note carefully that “going the second mile” is not a suggestion from Jesus nor an option, but a plain command from the lips of the Savior.
Spiritually, who is a “second miler”? The “second miler is the Christian who goes much further than would be generally required,” or the “second miler” is the Christian who gives more than expected. To sum it up, a “second miler” is one who has totally surrendered to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Everyone admires the “Olympic Athletes.” Why? Because they are willing to go the “second mile” in their training to gain a temporary and fading award. Michael Phelps went the “second mile” for years to gain the perishing “gold.”
Classify yourself today: Are you a “one miler?” – just willing to do the very least to get by. Or are you a “second miler,” – willing to surrender all to Jesus for a crown that fadeth not away?
In Mentoring Men for the Master, would you be a “one miler” or would you dare to be a “second miler?” The choice is yours – Excellence or Mediocrity.