From the Elder's Pen  "Beyond The Call Of Duty" 1/27/02 Past/Future Articles

 
     The president of the United States awards the Congressional Medal of Honor in the name of Congress to such men who, while on duty with the military services, distinguish themselves by going above and beyond the call of duty.  This distinguished honor was bestowed upon 95 men in World War I, and 300 in World War II.  Therefore, out of the thousands who served, only a few were recognized as going beyond the call of duty.
     In the Lord’s army, all are expected to go beyond the call of duty.  Jesus emphasized this fact when he said, “And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain” (Matt. 5:41).  This admonition was no doubt shocking to the hearers of Christ’s day.  The Roman government had decreed that a courier could compel both men and horses to help him on his journey.  This law was no doubt resented by the Jews who viewed Rome as a tyrannical government.  One writer has suggested that the Jews had placed a mile marker in each direction from their property.  This was to insure that they would not go beyond the required distance.  In the midst of this condition, Jesus taught them not only to go the required mile, but also to cheerfully go an additional mile.  This is still needed today.
     Many view Christianity as a checklist religion.  Their attitude is, “What do I have to do?”  They want to do the legal requirement and no more.  This attitude usually produces nothing but frustration and ineffectiveness on the part of those who have it.  The Christian must want to go beyond the call of duty.  Because he loves God and his fellow man, he is constantly asking, “What else can I do?”  Herein lies the secret of happiness in the Lord’s service.  It’s wonderful to know that every faithful soldier of Christ will receive the medal of honor.  It is the honor of all honors – the crown of life (Rev. 2:10).  Are you going beyond the call of duty in your daily living for the Master?  Why not take a moment and examine the reasons for your doing what you are doing in His service.  Is it because of duty, or because of love?  Remember, the first mile is the duty mile, and the second mile is the love mile.  May God help us to strive for that second mile.