The line of reasoning enunciated in our text can be safely called the extra mile principle. Jesus did not only teach it, but He also practiced it. Temple tax officials had accosted Peter asking if Jesus was complying with taxation. By the custom of the time, He was free from paying the temple tax. However, He did not want them to have occasion for offense. So He instructed Peter to get a catch and pay for both of them. “Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.”(Matthew 17:27 NKJV). Jesus paid what He did not owe. That was the extra mile principle on display. In a greater sense, Jesus paid what He did not owe when He died for the sins of mankind.
Breaking into new frontiers will not be a matter of course; it will come because someone is willing to push beyond the normal. The reason we have a lot of mediocre performances is that many people are not willing to push beyond their comfort zones.
Occasions will come when you also must put this principle to work. Sometimes, you would be required to go the extra mile to foster peace in your marriage. When you apologise to your partner for obvious and not so obvious mistakes, it is going the extra mile. Some may have to do more than they are currently paid to keep their company solvent. Even in a voluntary organisation like a church, the principle is still relevant. Breaking into new frontiers will not be a matter of course; it will come because someone is willing to push beyond the normal. The reason we have a lot of mediocre performances is that many people are not willing to push beyond their comfort zones. You can join top performers in your field if only you can break from your present mode, and take some extra steps.