To be a growing Christian in this culture is challenged on numerous fronts. One of the most significant conflicts we experience is how to be in the culture but not of the culture. To win the battles, we must change the way we think and act. It’s time to go the second mile in renewing your mind.

We all have those words that we regret. That conversation we wish we could take back. But once our speech has left the dock, there is no return for them. While we can’t change the past, we can prepare for the future. It’s time to go the second mile in learning how to silence our speech.

Proverbs 17:27-28 -  Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

Have you ever had that disagreement that lasted way longer than it should have? Probably most of your conflicts are that way in reality. Instead of letting something get out of hand, we must figure out how to reconcile peacefully. It’s time to go the second mile in quieting quarrels.

Proverbs 17:14 - Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out.

Proverbs 15:18 - A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them.

We are all wired differently when it comes to emotions. We all interpret situations uniquely and respond differently when challenges arise. Do you receive the stress of this life with joy or anxiety? It’s time to go the second mile in having a delightful disposition.

Proverbs 17:22 - A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Gloom affects your relationship with God, yourself, your family, your church, and your mission field.

Even if you don’t go looking for sensual content, it’s looking for you. And in every sphere of life, we are exposed to material intended to entice us to voyeurism and addiction. Apathy will not secure victory. It’s time to go the second mile in surmounting sensuality.

Proverbs 6:25 - Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes;

We live in a culture of comparison. Everywhere we turn, we are reminded of people who have more chiseled bodies, more attractive features, luxurious homes, expensive vehicles, and exquisite toys. Jealousy can ruin us. It’s time to go the second mile in exchanging envy.

Proverbs 14:30 - A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.

Proverbs 27:4 - Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?

Envy

Gratitude

You don’t mean to let your temper take control. You never wanted to lash out the way you did, but you did it anyway. And you did it again. Maybe you feel like you are stuck in a cycle of regretting temperamental outbursts. It’s time to go the second mile in taming your temper.

Proverbs 14:29 - Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.

How to Tame Temper

Two things that are guarantees in this life is that we will sin, and that we will be sinned against. While we typically want grace for our mistakes, we want payback for others. How can a Christian filter through these scenarios? It’s time to go the second mile in overlooking offenses.

We typically believe that we can spot hatred when we see it. In our minds, it is reserved for those unreasonably angry people causing conflicts with no desire for subtlety. In reality, quiet hatred can damage just as much as when it is blunt and loud. It’s time to go the second mile in harnessing hatred.

When we were kids, we were scared of the unknown things that went bump in the night. The older we get, our fears just transition rather than disappear. We can easily find ourselves paralyzed to live the life God has called us to live due to uneasiness. It’s time to go the second mile in fighting our fears.