The Secret of Success in a Single Sentence

And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. —Matthew 5:41

The Roman’s had a law that stated a Roman soldier could compel a Jew to carry an object for one mile.  It always imposed an inconvenience. A Jew would have to stop what he was doing… go the mile… then make the return trip. The Jews hated this law.

Jesus expressed a different attitude: He said if anyone compels you to go one mile, go a second mile.  It is on the second mile where positive things begin to happen.  On the first mile you fulfill an responsibility—On the second mile you form a relationship, and maybe a friendship. The first shows compliance—Going the second mile builds character.

Someone has called the principle of going the second mile “the secret of success in a single sentence” —  DO MORE THAN IS EXPECTED.  Do twice as much as you are asked to do.

A successful businessman was asked the secret of his success. His reply summed up success in three words: “and then some.”  Successful people are those who do what is expected, “and then some!”

There are four possible responses to a task or job:

1. “Get somebody else to do it!”
2. Only do the absolute bare minimum, while complaining to let everyone know you hate every minute of it.
3. Quietly fulfill your duty, without doing one iota more.
4. Do your job with a good attitude, and then some.  Exceed expectations.

You will never be a success if you only do enough to “get by.”  But, if you practice “going the second mile,” you will be a success in any area of life—Your education… on your job… in sports… in relationships… in ministry… in marriage, etc.

The person who goes the second mile says…

• I will do more than belong—I will participate.
• I will do more than care—I will help.
• I will do more than believe—I will practice.
• I will do more than pray—I will fast.
• I will do more than teach—I will inspire.
• I will do more than tithe—I will sacrifice.
• I will do more than live—I will grow.
• I will do more than forgive—I will forget.
• I will do more than be fair—I will be merciful.
• I will do more than be friendly—I will be a friend.

Are you a “Second Miler”?

[NOTE: This devotion is a segment from a sermon I recently preached at Bible Baptist Church. To read the full sermon, CLICK HERE.]