p. 774 | The Second Mile by Clarence Santee

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Dec 23, 1913

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 40, No. 49.

The Second Mile

By Clarence Santee

WHILE God points out the dangers that lie in the paths of sin, and entreats, persuades, and pleads, He will never compel a person to walk in the path of life or serve Him. More than this, He not only will not compel, but He will not accept the service that is offered unwillingly.

In making a place for God to dwell with Israel, He said, “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take My offering.” Ex. 25:2.

When the offering was made that represented the giving of the whole person to God, the Lord said, “He shall offer it of his own voluntary will.” Lev. 1:3. “Son, give Me thine heart” (Prov. 23:26), is the only basis of union with God.

“And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.” Matt. 5:41. There are far too many who live in the first mile of duty and burdensome obligation. They are compelled. But the second mile is the place of individual liberty of choice. It is the place of willing service. In the second mile is that which is not required, but gladly bestowed. In it is the place of personal advancement and growth. Your second mile of service will cast a luster upon the first mile, showing its service to have been, though required, yet willing, as the necessary first steps to reach the service of the second mile. We can never enter the service of the second mile until we end the first; and the blessing in our association with all mankind is the willing, acceptable service of the second mile.

You who have lived too long in the first mile of duty, reach beyond, and realize the pleasure of the freedom there is in the unexpected, perhaps undeserved acts of service for others.

The weariness of the first mile is lost in the refreshing of the second.

CLARENCE SANTEE.