"For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you." (Phil 1:23-24)
Are you willing to go the extra mile for the Lord? We go the extra mile for friends, family and even in our jobs, but are you willing to go the extra mile for Jesus? The Apostle Paul had to make a decision. While he was in prison suffering for Jesus, he was faced with a choice. A choice that had major implications and would impact future generations.
The Apostle Paul wanted to go home and be with the Lord. He, probably, spent his days daydreaming about heaven. Imagine being chained in a dungeon and having rats as his companions. Imagine spending cold or hot nights in that dungeon. You could understand why he had a desire to depart.
In the midst of his circumstances, he decided to sacrifice his own desire to be in heaven and remain on earth for a while longer. Why? Not because of himself, but because of the love he had for his fellow brethren. Thank God, he chose the latter because we would not have had the rest of the epistles. Did you know that you can extend your life by faith? You don't have to settle for que sera, sera.
Imagine the power to tell death---Not now, I have a job to fulfill. Yes, the Apostle Paul could have rested on his laurels. He could have said--I did what I needed to do, but no, he chose to go the extra mile! Why? The love of God constrained him to do it. Friends, that is why it is important that you understand the importance of fulfilling your calling. Each one of us has a calling. In fact, some of you may be willing to go the extra mile when you find out what you are called for.
Take the ministry of helps. The ministry of helps is one in which you clean the church, mop the floors and, at times, work in the kitchen serving food. It is not a job in which you are noticed, but God sees what you are doing. I have, personally, seen the brethren spend long hours into the night, making sure the church needs are met. These people are special. They are the ones who, after a church concert, are cleaning up and making sure things are in order.
If you are faithful in the little things, the Lord will promote you. Philip was a deacon who was later promoted to evangelist. (1) The Lord used Philip in a great way and he'll do the same with you, if you are willing to go the extra mile. Are you willing to go the extra mile and spend more time in prayer for your Pastor? Are you willing to put a muzzle in your mouth and stop criticizing the Pastor? Pastors are human and make mistakes. It is so easy to criticize the Pastor, but try doing his/her job for a week or so and you will see that its hard work!
So, friend, ask God to show you how you can go the extra mile. Let the love of Christ build up in you so that going the extra mile won't be a burden but be a joy. Remember as you give of yourself and your time, your labor of love won't be in vain. Who knows? Your actions could impact history and future generations to come. God bless.
Prayer---Father, Thank you for speaking to me. Forgive me if I have been selfish. Help me to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge. Help me to grow in grace and perfect my love walk. Show me what is my calling and place in the body, so I can better serve you. In doing so, help me to go the extra mile and glorify you. In Jesus Name---AMEN!
Scriptures: (1) Acts 6:5, Acts 8
Scriptures provided by www.biblegateway.com
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