GO THE EXTRA MILE
Proverbs 31:10-31
Our text today is very popular especially when we want to talk to and encourage the womenfolk. We are going to learn a few things from this proverbial virtuous woman. The woman in this story is one that is on top in virtually all aspects of human endeavour. She is physically, spiritually, financially and maritally on top. She has achieved much more than the average woman out there. Her husband is prominent and prosperous. The children are doing fine and they love her. She is a wealthy business woman and she is at peace in her home with family and servants alike.
She is practically on top. But she did not get there suddenly. She has a few secrets we can emulate in our trip to the top- if we will get there and remain there. The first thing you notice about her is her ability to go the extra mile in her endeavours. Did you notice that as a woman, she dabbles in areas traditionally regarded as men’s domain? She does not believe in keeping herself to the stereotype Jewish house wife style. She worked with her hands. She did more than the others. While others are contented with an average life, she is thinking and working out ways to better her lot and that of the family. So you can add diligence to her character example on the way to the top.
Beloved, if you must get to the top, you need these two traits exhibited by this woman. You need to go the extra mile and be hard working. Life is about input and output. An average input will yield average results. If you want extra ordinary results you must put in extraordinary efforts. If a student, you can’t go to sleep like the others and yet expect to outshine them. As a leader, you must seek to be more knowledgeable and more committed than those you are leading. Else, you will not be able to lead and command respect.
The Proverbs 31 woman is well respected at home and abroad. Her husband is among the leaders of the land. They both “stand before Kings” and not with the mediocre. Go the extra mile in whatever you are involved in; put more hard work and watch where it will take you. It is nowhere else but the top. You shall get there.
MEDITATION: Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. Proverbs 22:29
