GOING THE SECOND MILE

(From the author's next Daily Devotional, EVERY DAY WITH JESUS, 

due to be published sometime in 2018.)

        In Paula Fox’s fine little book, The Second Mile (Inspired Faith, 2009), she writes that “going the second mile” has its roots in first-century Palestine when a Roman soldier could compel a subject of a conquered land to carry his pack for him one mile. Resenting this rule, Israelites obeyed by going one mile, but not one step more.

        However, in His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus countered this resentment, saying, “If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two.” (Matthew 5:41) Going the Second Mile represents a higher law of kindness, generosity and love. Going the Second Mile means living above the norm, treating people with kindness and respect regardless of what we feel they may deserve. 

        This concept deserves our consideration, since this is surely not how most people live today. Little thought is often given even to following a rule, much less going beyond it to help someone. 

        Going the Second Mile is based not on emotions but on choice. We can choose to do a kind deed, not because someone deserves it, but because we want to live as Christ directs us. 

        Our world today is filled with anger, jealousy and selfishness. The antidote to these negative feelings is not resentment, rage, or demanding one’s rights. It is the “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness gentleness, faithfulness and self-control,” that Paul speaks of in Galatians 5:22-23.

It can turn us from being a victim into a victor. 

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com

AT THE DEATH OF ONE WE LOVE

        A member of a family had just died while doing her duties as a nurse. The medical assistance helicopter she was in crashed during an emergency run, and there were no survivors. She left behind her husband and sons, as well as the others in the family, all of whom had already lost an adult member, either through death or divorce. Weeks after her death, the remaining family members had gathered for Sunday dinner and were talking about how much they missed her.

        In a quiet moment of reflection, the grandfather said, “Someone said we are all passing time, and each of us occupies our chair very briefly. I believe the time we had together with Linda was a gift, and we are all the better because she occupied her chair so well. Some may say we have had more than our share of loss, but I see God’s light in this family every day. And though I may not understand it, I trust in His plan for us all.”

        This past summer Carol and I have received word of several good friends who have passed from this life and into eternity. We all have experienced loss through the death of a loved one, someone precious to us who has “occupied the chair” of life among us. It is a blessing of God that we are allowed to do so. Our Creator God has a plan for us all, and although we may not understand it, we can trust that His plan is good for us all. 

“Oh Give thanks unto the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever.” (Psalm 106:1)

Rev. Robert L. Tasler. www.bobtasler.com

A GOOD ATTITUDE ABOUT LIFE

        Here is a little story I’d like to share with you. You can take from it whatever thoughts you wish, and even if you think the attitude within is rare, it is certainly something we might seek, no matter what our age.  

        A 92 year-old woman had decided to move into a nursing home. Her husband of 70 years had passed away, necessitating her move to an assistance facility. And she had also become blind. She was well dressed, poised and held herself proudly as they helped her from the car into a wheelchair. “I certainly don’t plan to spend all my time in one of these,” she said with a smile. “I’m just helping you get to your new room,” the attendant said. “Of course, and thank you,” the woman said with a smile.

        As she was being wheeled down the hall, the attendant stopped now and then and described her surroundings, the Office, the Dining Room, the Library, the Exercise Room and other areas. As they went, the elderly woman said with an enthusiasm almost like a child at Christmas, “Oh, I love it already,” 

        “But we haven’t reached your room yet,” the attendant said. “That doesn’t matter,” the woman said. “Happiness is something I decide on ahead of time. Whether or not I like my room doesn’t depend on whether its window faces a tree, or if it’s a small room, or even how the furniture is arranged. It’s all in how I arrange my mind. Before I ever got here,I decided to love my new home and my room.” 

        “You see, this is what I try to do every morning. I figure I can either spend the day moping about my life, or I can get dressed, smile and decide to be thankful for what I still have. Each day is a gift from God for me, and as long as I remember that, I can be happy.”

“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” (Philippians 4:11)

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com

KEEPING OUR LISTS

        A week or two ago I was making a list of things to do before we took an extended trip. It included 1) Disconnect outside hoses, 2) Turn down thermostat, 3) Lock windows and doors, 4) Winterize cars, 5) Turn off water heater, and many other items. When we return, that list will be on the kitchen counter where I left it with all items crossed off.
        We make lists because we want to remember things, and we’ve learned we cannot always trust our memories. Martin Luther made his list of 95 reasons why the church needed to be reformed and follow the Bible. Yesterday at worship on All Saints Sunday, we remembered a list of people who have died during the past year in that congregation.
        And now in south Texas, sadly, there is a list of people who died in church because a man committed the evil act of murder. God, too, has His list of Ten Rules which people must follow instead of their own sinful ways. To ignore or deny them leads to our destruction.
        Lists help keep us organized. With them we remember, prioritize and accomplish things. Lists can help us do the right things in life. For example Apostle Paul had his list of nine Fruit of the Spirit: “Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. Against such things there is no law,” he wrote in Galatians 5:22-23.
        Sometimes we misplace our lists or forget to take them with us. What good is a grocery list if it’s left at home? What good is a list of things to do if we don’t intend to do them? God wants us to remember the important things, for instance, that He is God, that we need Him, and we should love each other and know His Word which tells us of His Son Jesus who died to forgive us so we can live with Him in eternity.
        Last week my sister-in-law wrote me a nice email with some good lists in it. It concluded with this list of three. I think they are worth memorizing.

        1. The NICEST place to be is in someone's thoughts.
        2. The SAFEST place to be is in someone's prayers.
        3. The VERY BEST place to be is in the hands of God.

Now there are some things worth remembering!

Rev Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com