A slap, a shirt, and an extra mile

A slap, a shirt, and an extra mile.  It may be the difference between measuring the commitment level of our daily christian lives.

Matthew 5:38-42, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away." 

This is known as the sermon on the mount.  One of Jesus' most public discourses on the kingdom.  He talked often about living different from the world.  Living in contrast.  Look at it like this:

THE SLAP – how can you ‘turn the cheek’ this week and be a peacemaker?

THE SHIRT – what can you do to give more than expected?

THE EXTRA MILE – are you willing to go out of your way and serve this week?

The Australian global church, Hillsong, produced a world-wide television event entitled "We're All in this Together". In this recording, United Live, the youth worship movement from Hillsong Church, was challenging the global church to greater action concerning justice causes and affecting our world for Christ.  One of the key statements in this production was the driving force behind the television and DVD challenge: 

“When we forsake the needs of others, we actually forsake ourselves”

Look for an opportunity to place others in front of yourself today.  The kingdom of God is in the heart of every believer.  What does that look like?  According to Jesus, it looks like turning your cheek from the slap, giving your shirt to a friend, and being willing to do a little extra.