Quotes 2

One of the most common phrases that a lot of businesses, small ones and large corporations are using at present, is "go the extra mile".  In other words, they want their employees and agents to do more for you than just the average, more than just the minimum.  The first person who uttered these words is the Lord Jesus Christ.  He was talking to citizens of Israel and encouraging them to put themselves to some inconvenience.  For this one we need a bit of historical context as well as spiritual truth.  At the time, any Roman soldier in any of the dominions ruled by the tyrannical Roman Empire, was allowed to compel any citizen to carry his baggage one mile.  Just picture the scene.  It's a hot day in Israel, and someone who could be young enough to be your son tells you to carry his stuff.  A mile is a long way in that heat with all that heavy gear.  So you have a choice to make.  You can grumble all the way and dump the stuff at his feet at the end of the journey.  Or, you can do something he never expected you to do.  You offer to carry it another mile for him.  Now you've not only got him confused, you've got him wondering why you did it.  Then you have the opportunity to say you did it because that's what someone called Jesus told you to do.  That soldier would have remembered that act for the rest of his life, not only that, but you've saved another of your fellow citizens having to carry it the next mile.  So yes, go the extra mile for your employer, exceed the expectations of his or her customers and hear the words of Jesus.