During difficult economic times, employers streamline their businesses and keep only the most valuable employees. So how do they define what's valuable?

According to an editorial by columnist Thomas Friedman, creativity, better service and added skills are the edge employees will need to keep their jobs. He contends that just being average will no longer be enough as the job market gets tougher. Initiative will win out over complacency, so be willing to go the extra mile ("The New Untouchables," The New York Times, Oct. 20, 2009).

Jesus Christ spoke of this quality in Matthew 5:41: "And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two." In the Roman world at that time, anyone could be involuntarily required to carry burdens or messages for the Roman authorities for one mile. Christ directed His followers to go beyond by doubling that mile requirement. This willingness to voluntarily do just a bit more can be a job-saving edge in a tight economy.