In most parts of the United States, there is more than enough work for anyone willing to work. My friend JuanJohn Bayardo proved this by traveling through every state in the United States looking for work. He documented his adventure in the book, “Gigs Across America.”

Human resources are often the highest cost to a company. So, companies need good employees who provide at least as much value to the company as they cost.

For a company to thrive, they need exceptional employees who contribute more value than they cost. They need employees who will go the extra mile and encourage other employees to do the same. These kinds of employees are called fully engaged employees because they don’t just work for a paycheck. They are inspired by the purpose of the organization and will go the extra mile to help the organization achieve their goals.

• • • A fully engaged salesperson is likely to sell just as hard on Friday afternoon as on Monday morning.
    • An engaged customer service rep will try just as hard to delight a customer at the end of their shift as they did at the beginning.
    • A software developer who is fully engaged will leave the code they are working on cleaner than it was when they started.
    • An engaged factory worker will most likely have fewer accidents, be more productive, and produce fewer quality defects.

Fully engaged employees win the hearts of customers. A company with a highly engaged workforce usually has customers who are loyal and will stay as customers for a lifetime. Those customers refer others to the company and referrals become customers.

Jesus taught that his followers should go the extra mile in everything they do to win the favor of others and stand out. When you do, you will also be sharing your faith through your actions and eventually win the opportunity to share your faith through your words.

Jesus used the extra mile concept to encourage us to love and forgive others when they intend to harm us (Matthew 5:38-41). He used the extra mile concept to encourage us to give more than is being demanded of us or when someone else is in need and we have the means to fulfill that need (Matthew 5:42).

When you go the extra mile, you fulfill the second greatest commandment to love others as you love yourself. It is not natural for us to go the extra mile. Only God can give us the supernatural strength to love as He does.

So instead of planning vengeance when you are wronged, pray for those who hurt you. And if anyone demands restitution from you, give them more than they demand. When someone has a need that you can fulfill or wants to borrow from you, give them more than they requested. When you do this, you will show them the love of Jesus that is living in you.

Where do you draw the line between your rights and the responsibility as a follower of Jesus to forgive?

When was a time when you witnessed love overcome evil?

How can doing good result in a positive outcome when you are faced with a negative situation?

1. What is the Holy Spirit saying to you about this directive?

2. What are you going to do about it?

3. Who are you going to tell?