Going the second mile

One of the more famous phrases of Jesus is his encouragement to go the second mile.  This phrase has made it into our everyday vernacular such that people who have no interest to follow Jesus use it and certainly know it means putting forth the extra effort for someone or something.  Since the majority of South Dakotans consider themselves Christians (aka - followers of Jesus and his teachings) this phrase packs even more importance.

Under Roman law, a Roman soldier could demand a Jew carry his belongings for one mile (about 1000 paces). You can imagine a frustrated and weary man counting off those paces and dropping the pack at 1000. Jesus was teaching his followers to have a different attitude toward things that try our patience. He was teaching us to be people who bear the burdens of others. He was teaching that God is watching what we do in mile two, not mile one. Mile one is what everyone was obligated to do, mile two is where his blessing is released over peoples lives.

Despite the talk of voter fatigue, voters in South Dakota have yet to enter mile two on the issue of banning abortion. Watching a few ads and tolerating a few yard signs is mile one stuff. God is watching whether we are willing to go at this a second time. His favor only falls on those who go the second mile.