Going the Extra Mile

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 Have you ever wondered where the term “going the extra mile” originated? Well lets travel back to Biblical times and find out. 

 

In the times of Imperial Rome which extended from around 27 BC to 476 AD, it was a law that a Roman soldier, could demand any individual except a Roman Citizen to carry his armor/gear for a “Roman Mile”. The Latin phrase was Mille Passus which directly translates to 1,000 paces. If the individual refused, they could be arrested and imprisoned. Obviously, this was not a very popular law for a multitude of reasons and if there was a way to get out of it, many would try or at the very least, not be happy/joyous during the event.

 

So in Matthew 5:41 when Jesus says “Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.” This law is what he was referencing. He was telling his followers, even if you have to do something you don’t necessarily want to do, do it with a joyous heart and do more than what is asked as the bare minimum.

 

This teaching is further instructed by Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:31 “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all things for the glory of God.”

 

This teaching has helped Christian leaders all throughout history by not making enemies where there is no enemy to be found. 

 

Let us all strive to go the extra mile in all that we do with a joyous heart.

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