Walking A Mile

Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes.  That way when you critize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes.  ∼ Jack Handey

I think this is a funny quote.  Although, it is said that truth is often found in humor.  This truth is not the 'Big T' truth of God, but the 'little t' truth of reality.  Too often we are critical of others, try to justify our own critical natures and fail to treat others as Jesus asked us to treat them. 

The idea of walking a mile reminds me of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount which instructs us on many things.  For me, one of the most convicting instructions is found in Matthew 5:38-42:

³⁸ “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ ³⁹ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. ⁴⁰ And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic,^[h] let him have your cloak as well. ⁴¹ And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. ⁴² Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

This passage very clearly tells us how to react when evil is done to us.  Those are hugely radical statements.  Yet in our culture we have qualified, excused, explained and reasoned around them.  Did Jesus really mean what he said?  If he did this is what he asks us to do:

• When someone hits you, don't hit back.
• When someone sues you, give him and extra amount.
• If you are forced to do something for someone, double the work.
• Give to those that beg from you.
• Lend to the one that asks to borrow from you.

As a follower of Christ, it gives me a lot to think about ∼ Cynthia