Go the Extra Mile...

Have you ever heard the phrase, go the extra mile?  Do you know where it comes from?

Under Roman rule, a conquered people was subject to the whims of the Romans and their laws.  One of those laws stated that a Roman soldier could ask a citizen of the conquered nation to carry their gear and that the citizen would need to carry it for 1 mile.  

Obviously, this was a burden and a tough task of which the conquered people resented and despised.  It angered them, but if they did not do it, the penalties were harsh.  

The phrase, "Go the extra mile," comes from Jesus's Sermon on the Mount where he discussed a number of topics and made some shocking statements for the people of that time.  Things like "Turn the other cheek" when discussing if someone slaps you on the phase, telling people to turn the other cheek and let the person hit that one too - essentially saying forgiveness and not taking revenge was the answer.

When it came to the Roman law, he stated, "If asked to go one mile - go two instead."  What?  Really?  People are being compelled against their will to forced labor and Jesus is telling them to not only do the labor, but double down on it?  This was controversial.  

But, the message was simple, love you fellow man and help them.  Go above and beyond and leave your resentment behind.  Above all forgiveness.

Taking this lesson to today's world in life and business, there are many areas where we can and should go the extra mile, but we don't.  Many times, we know we need to.  Take a look at the areas in your life and decide where you need to go the extra mile and do so.  It may be carrying a burden and taking it off others.  It may be digging in and doing some very hard and tough work that will make a big difference.  It may be doing something like forgiving someone in your life for the problems them have caused.  Whatever it is for you, don't why away from it.  Go the extra mile.