Scriptures: Matthew 5:38-42

What makes the difference between something that's ho-hum and something that's amazing is often a commitment to excellence. What is excellence? The simplest definition is the determination to go the "second mile." The second mile is the difference between mediocrity and magnificence. Excellence is going beyond what is required for minimal approval to what will result in maximum achievement. It's going above and beyond the expectations or command of a superior. In this message, Dr. Merritt zeros-in on the topic of excellence. Do you want to be the best husband, the best father, the best mother, the best wife, the best athlete, the best musician, the best teacher, the best doctor, the best lawyer, the best salesman, the best business person you can be? As we learn through God's Word, as a Christ-follower, we give our very best to Christ when we go that second mile.

"Most students want to just make the 'c' and pass the class. Most people that go to work just want to draw their paychecks. They just want to punch in and punch out and not push too hard or be pushed too hard. You can imagine what kind of a bomb shell it was when Jesus said, 'Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two' (Matthew 5:41). Why did Jesus want that? Why did He realize the second mile was so important? Because, the first mile is the duty fulfilling mile and the second mile is the difference making mile." --Dr. Merritt

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