I showed the kids in the children’s message during Sunday worship, and in our morning chapel at CrossLife Christian Academy, what “extra” means. And I used whipped topping in a can. The kind you shake up and then spray onto your chocolate cake. So good. (IMHO it’s even better than the chocolate cake.)
PHHHHTT … I squirted a teaspoon of it into a cup. I asked if that’s enough. “NOOOOOOO!” Another small squirt. “NOOOOOO. MOOOOOOOORE!”
Okay. You asked for it.
I found a much bigger bowl, asked a boy to hold it for me, and just started emptying that can for 20 seconds. Fluffy, creamy topping heaped high! Eyes widened. Kids giggled and screamed.
I told my little helper holding the big bowl that he could dip his finger in for a taste. He reached in and took a handful! Ha! It was a fun mess! He was all smiles.
This is what “extra” does to us. This is what all the “extras” from Jesus do to us. Our eyes widen, our hearts giggle with gladness, and we might scream for joy or at least sing with more joy in worship.
What great things our God has done! Extra things we don’t deserve, but he gives them out of his abundant grace.
Extra attention to our prayers. Extra grace for our guilt. Extra strength to endure trouble. Extra love to cover our sins. Extra promises beyond our essential needs. Extra people and relationships to bless us. Extra. Extra. Extra.
And now it’s time for us to do the same thing. Jesus teaches, “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles” (Matthew 5:41).
Go the extra mile today. Make someone smile, and hopefully appreciate God’s extra, too.
PRAYER: Jesus, you give me so much extra love, strength, wisdom and peace. Totally more than I need. Remind me today that since I don’t need it all, I can share it with someone else who does. Go the extra mile with me. Amen.
EVANGELISM ACTION: Here’s a video about CrossLife Church going an extra mile or two for the homeless. Pick up a bag in our lobby and share Jesus with those in need.