Salt, Light, and Second-Milers - Part 2

While waiting to park at a grocery store, a man walked in front of my car to remove a shopping cart that occupied the space. Later when I saw him in the store and acknowledged his kindness, he said, "The way I see  it, what goes around, comes around." That simple act of kindness made a big difference in my day.

His attitude and action demonstrated a character quality Jesus referred to as "salt of the earth and light of the world." Think of salt and light as kindness and spontaneous generosity which reveal other-centeredness and flexibility that point them to Christ Jesus. Helping others by being gracious will sustain you when troubles or hardships come to your house.

This concept is hard to grasp. We've learned to do only what's required, not to be a second-miler, as Jesus commanded in Matthew 5:41. He also encouraged each person to "give and it shall be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will others give to you."  God loves a cheerful giver, so be alert for opportunities to do so.

Salt, Light, and Second-Milers - Part 1

Sometimes life is so hectic, a trouble-free day appears impossible. The  smallest task that should take only a moment turns into such complexity that a whole day seems to evaporate. Life on the front burner takes energy and determination to resist defeat rather than to dissolve into frustration and anger. Discouragement has the power to control any situation.

God has given us the capacity to change, regardless of how diminished that capacity feels to us. Where there is motivation to find solutions, no problem is insurmountable. Resilient people learn to activate faith and hope to serve as a channel for transcending anger and frustration. Faith and hope create order and dignity, even in chaos and pain.

Jesus, in Matthew 5:41, instructs his listeners to be second-mile people, giving more than what's required to any challenge. Second-milers know they'll be rewarded, if only by enhancing their integrity. Life is complicated and hectic, so keep your attitude fixed on faith in Christ Jesus. Faith is God's gift to you.