Sermon Series Blog: Encounter Pt. 10
The Extra Mile Kilometer: Living Beyond Bare Minimum Faith
Have you ever noticed how we humans love to do the bare minimum? We ask, "What’s the least I can do to pass this class?" "How little effort can I put in and still get by?" Whether it’s at work, in relationships, or even in our faith, there’s a temptation to do just enough—but no more.
Yet, Jesus calls us to something greater.
In Matthew 5:41, He says, “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” This verse speaks directly to the idea of going beyond what’s required. In Roman times, soldiers could legally force people to carry their gear for one mile. But Jesus says, “Don’t just do what’s required—go further.”
The Culture of Just Enough
We live in a "just enough" culture. People clock in and out of jobs, barely engaged. Marriages fall apart because partners do the minimum instead of pouring in love and effort. Friendships become distant because no one wants to initiate. And faith? Many settle for a Sunday morning experience rather than an everyday walk with God.
Jesus disrupts this mindset. He challenges us to go beyond what’s expected—to live with radical love, radical service, and radical generosity.
The Extra Mile Kilometer Mindset
Love Beyond Limits – Jesus didn’t love people conveniently; He loved sacrificially. On the cross, He didn’t say, “I’ve done enough.” He gave everything. If we claim to follow Him, we can’t love others based on convenience. We go the extra mile.
Serve Without Excuses – It’s easy to serve when it’s comfortable, but Jesus washed feet. He touched lepers. He dined with sinners. The extra mile means stepping outside our comfort zone and serving even when it’s inconvenient.
Give More Than Expected – In a world where people hoard time, energy, and resources, Jesus calls us to be generous. The extra mile means showing up when no one else does, forgiving when it’s undeserved, and giving without expecting anything in return.
Living It Out
The challenge for us today is simple: where in our lives are we stopping at one mile? In our faith, our marriages, our friendships, our workplaces—where are we settling for just enough?
If we want to live like Jesus, we can’t settle. We must go further. Not because we have to, but because love compels us to.
The world is full of first-mile people. Be an extra-mile person. That’s where true impact happens. That’s where Jesus is.
Are you ready to go beyond the bare minimum? Let’s live the extra kilometer.
