Above and Beyond

Today, I'm linking up at 5 minute Friday, at Lisa-Jo Baker ... tales from a Gypsy Mama, where bloggers are encouraged to write for 5 minutes on a one-word topic.  Today's word:

BEYOND

When I think of beyond, I think of that phrase, "going above and beyond."  Doing a little bit more than what is required. 

This is a principle put forth in the New Testament.  Jesus said if a person asked for your coat, give him your cloak, too.  He said if you were compelled to go one mile, go two.

Going the second mile.  It's not only a biblical principle but a principle of success.  In business, the person who goes the second mile, puts forth the extra effort, is usually the more successful one.  Often, that person is the one who is promoted.

I once read a book by Florence Littauer entitled It Takes So Little To Be Above Average.   Her premise was that if you do just a little more than the average person would do, your efforts would be outstanding to others. 

It just takes some work.  Work used to be highly valued in our world, but it seems to not be so in today's culture.  I submit, though, that it is still the way to achieve goals.  Good old-fashioned work.

In fact, in the garden, wasn't that what we were told to do?  Work.  We're also told to work as unto the Lord.  Do a good job, no matter who your supervisor may be.

Go beyond and do your best for Him, the great Fruit-Inspector.

STOP