Going the Extra Mile
"But Ruth replied, 'Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.'" Ruth 1:16 (NIV)
Some people do just enough to get by. Others, however, go above and beyond, quietly setting themselves apart. The Bible is full of examples of people who went the extra mile—and God honored them in ways that changed history.
Take Joseph, for instance. Sold into slavery by his own brothers, he didn’t sulk or give the bare minimum. Instead, he served Potiphar with integrity, excelled in his duties, and earned the trust of everyone around him. Even in prison, he managed with excellence, interpreting dreams faithfully. His willingness to go beyond what was expected positioned him to become second-in-command over Egypt and ultimately save countless lives. Joseph’s story reminds us that even in difficult circumstances, God notices and rewards those who give “and then some.”
Then there’s Ruth, a young woman who chose loyalty over comfort. She could have returned home to her own family after her husband died, but she stayed with Naomi and committed herself fully to a life of service and love. Ruth worked tirelessly in the fields, gleaning what she could while honoring God and those around her. Her faithfulness and extra effort caught the attention of Boaz and led to a lineage that would eventually include King David—and Jesus Himself. Ruth shows us that small acts of sacrifice done with dedication can have eternal impact.
Even Daniel provides a powerful example. In Babylon, he faced pressure to compromise his faith. Yet he remained steadfast, praying three times a day, obeying God’s dietary laws, and performing his duties with excellence. His refusal to cut corners, even under threat of the lion’s den, demonstrated the power of consistent faithfulness. God’s favor not only preserved his life but elevated him to a position where he could influence kings and nations.
The principle is simple: when you give your best, even in ways no one else notices, God takes notice. Going the extra mile isn’t about recognition—it’s about obedience, integrity, and faithfulness. Whether at work, in your family, or in your walk with God, commit to doing more than is expected.
Decide today to be an “extra mile” person.
Serve with excellence, love without counting the cost, and work as if God Himself is watching, because He is. Your efforts may not always be recognized immediately, but God honors those who go beyond. The blessing may come in ways you never imagined, just like it did for Joseph, Ruth, and Daniel.
Prayer: Lord, help me to go the extra mile in every area of my life. Teach me to work with integrity, serve with joy, and love without limits. Let my actions reflect Your goodness and bring glory to Your name. I don’t want to live average. I want to live “and then some.” Amen.
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