Milestones

The ancient Romans were both inventive and practical. From them we received significant innovations in engineering and materials technology like public buildings, hydraulics, glass, cement and metal production. The Romans were expert road builders and they posted mile markers along the way, milestones.
    Today milestones are measures of progress. Developmental milestones are used as checklists for childhood growth. Such as taking a first step or smiling and waving. Milestones are markers of accomplishment, a goal to be measured. The U.S. stock market indexes have major market milestones. Within project management, a milestone is an event that receives special attention. It is often put at the end of a stage to mark the completion of a work package. A milestone is a sort of deadline inside of the project. Milestones can break up a large task making it more manageable. They help to keep you on course, focused and accountable.

    The concept of “going the second mile” also began during the Roman Empire. At the time, Roman soldiers had the right to force the people they had conquered to carry their equipment up to one mile. Consequently, people would make the one-mile journey as slaves to these conquerors. That raises the question of how one would know when a mile had passed. Would it be when you felt you had walked a mile, or when the soldier announced that a mile had passed?  One way to be sure was when you came across a milestone.
    But Jesus challenged the thinking of the time by encouraging the oppressed to go two miles instead of one. “But I tell you do not resist an evildoer. But whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him also the other. And the one wanting to take your shirt let him also have your coat. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to the one who asks of you and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” (Matthew 5:39-42)

Jesus always raises our standards. Whatever you think, think better. Whatever you do, do better.

What does that 2nd mile do?
    The 2nd mile places your focus on people instead of time or things. What was more important to Jesus, the Roman soldier or the distance traveled. People should always be valued above our convenience or our comfort.

    The 2nd mile places our priorities on God’s will not our own. Going the extra mile even when, especially when, I do not feel like going is all about obedience.
    The 2nd mile opens up an opportunity to communicate the Good News. Verbally or non-verbally, you can tell His story all along the way. How many Roman guards did Paul teach while he was imprisoned? Was he chained to an oppressor or did he have a readymade captive audience for the Gospel message? It is a matter of perspective.
    The 2nd mile removes our fear of being used. To avoid being taken, we have stopped being generous. Letting go of self is letting go of fear. You can’t enslave people who choose to serve. Choosing the 2nd mile empowers the oppressed and strengthens the weak.
    The 2nd mile transforms us into His likeness. Going above and beyond is exactly what God does for us. God loves us when we do not deserve it. How can we claim to know God but not love others enough to serve them when they least deserve it?

Milestones, a measure of developmental growth-- Are you changing into what God already sees inside of you?
Milestones, an event that receives special attention-- Are you concerned with what is truly important, more important than your own comfort?
Milestones, a measure of progress-- Are you being transformed into His likeness? Are you going above and beyond to serve others?
Where is the 2nd mile for you?