THE “EXTRA” CHRISTIAN

We are familiar with the American colloquialism “going the extra mile.”  But what you may not know is that phrase comes from the Bible in Mathew 5.

When Rome occupied Israel, any Roman soldier on official business could compel any non-Roman citizen to carry his bag for one mile.  Jesus tells us, “If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two.”  Why?  Because that shows the world that Christians are different.  We are in the world, but different.  

But what if instead of being asked to reflect the witness of a Christian, you become the source of the reflection?  To do that, you need to be sensitive to the needs of others and proactively meet their needs without being asked.

This past week, First Companies became a source (not a reflection, but a source) of a Christian witness,  Their moral support gives more encouragement to the whole extended VerBurg family (a couple dozen of us).  Their encouragement lifts the spirit and allows Brent and Sherry to bask in the warmth of your Christian love!

So to the Bakers of FCI, thank you for being the source.  Talking a talk of a Christian company is one thing, but actually being proactive and showing it is what Jesus is all about.   That is being used by God to be a blessing.  Your continued concern helps Brent remember he is still part of the First Companies team and you give a motive to keep up the fight!  You make loneliness one less worry.

And to the employees at FCI: thank you for being you!  All of you are a source, not a reflection, of Christ’s love.  And that makes each of you the “extra” Christian.

(After I built and edited this page, I thought I’d link to FCI’s Values page and notice the same reference to “the extra mile”)