Due to the recent economic indicators we all have reason to believe that a recovery is on the horizon. This couldn’t come a better time for us battered by this recession. However, one prediction points to a “jobless recovery” for right now. What this means is that businesses may not be on a hiring spree at this moment.
Not only does this hurt the unemployed…but also the employed. Why? Because they’re pushed by stressed-out managers who are ordered to produce the same with less manpower. Like Israel who was told by Pharaoh to get their own straw to make bricks, they’re being told to pump out the same with less!
But this a prime opportunity to go the extra mile, compensate for the lack, and stand out in the crowd. This an opportunity to do more with less.
What is the Extra Mile?
Going the extra mile simply means:
“You render more and better service than immediately paid for with pleasing attitude.”
Paul spoke about it when he said:
“Servants, respectfully obey your earthly masters but always with an eye to obeying the real Master, Christ. Don’t just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ’s servants doing what God wants you to do. And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you’re really serving God. Good work will get you good pay from the Master, regardless of whether you are slave or free.” [1]
It’s doing more than paid for with a positive attitude; not just doing it to do it. Or, doing it with a bad attitude. God doesn’t honor that:
“You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. 
Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully.” [2]
Besides… going the extra mile honors God; and God honors those who honor Him.
Michael Hyatt once wrote: one of the benefits of a recession is that it “thins out the competition.” He was absolutely right!
Why?
Because when “bad” times come most people (including businesses) play it safe. They hold back, stay under the radar, and try to maintain their position. The wiser ones, however, see that and go all out: they do more, serve more, produce more , and market more. They stand out.
And when the upswing comes they ride it higher than those who “played it safe.”
Find ways to do more, serve more, produce more with less, and watch as your “good work will get you good pay from the Master.”
- Ephesians 6:5-8 (The Message)
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 (New Living Translation)
