The Jesus Challenge has been a lot of fun this year.  It has particularly been fun as we have emphasized doing small things for people. 

            Going the second mile is a concept that makes an enormous difference in other people’s lives and strangely makes a real difference in ours when we go the second mile.  Taking the opportunity to help people when they don’t expect it and when you have no obligation to give it is a character and heart-life improving exercise. 

            This past Sunday morning I mentioned taking the shopping baskets (the kind that you carry around in the store) back to the pile for the cashier and mentioning it to the cashier.  I found myself caught between two points as I was thinking about telling her why I wanted to do that.  The first point was the desire to be modest and not call attention to myself.  The second was the desire to bear witness to the fact that Jesus Christ does put things like this in our hearts to do.  I’m glad I mentioned to her that I was doing it because of Christ and The Jesus Challenge, but I think it is always something we need to keep examining in ourselves.  Am I calling attention to myself or do I truly want to glorify Jesus? 

We can tie ourselves in knots worrying about such things, and I don’t want you to do that.  The truth is, if you are seeking self-recognition, it is not a condemnable offense.  Even Paul said of those who were preaching the Gospel out of envy and strife that it didn’t matter to him why people did it as long as the Gospel was preached.  So let’s give glory to Christ.  Let’s engage in The Jesus Challenge by helping people, and I hope you enjoy a fuller heart because you gave of yourself to others.