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I’m on a plane for work about 15-20 times a year. I don’t always fly first class, but I believe in maximizing the use of my credit card so I can increase the status with my favorite airline to maximize my points and get bumped up to first every now and again! As long as I’m paying off my card at the end of the month, which we usually do, I’m proud to work the system in my favor.

On a recent trip, I was notified that I’d been bumped to a first-class seat. This meant that I was able to board the plane a little earlier than everyone else. Once I boarded the plane, I settled in. I wasn’t going to waste any of the extra time or extra space! I settled in, pulled out my laptop, and popped in my earbuds. Just a few moments later, an older gentleman bent down,  gently leaned toward me, and extended an envelope labeled “Ms. Hurst.” Smiling,  he thanked me for being an Executive Platinum member with American Airlines and told me that he was happy to have the privilege of serving me on the flight. 

I was floored. 

In all my years of flying, I had never been greeted like that after boarding a plane. Nor had I ever received a card. The card read as follows:

Thank you for choosing American Airlines. We greatly appreciate your loyalty. Safe travels, Paul.

This airline attendant took it upon himself to provide a unique experience that included his gratitude. He went above and beyond to show me I was a valued and appreciated customer. After handing me the card, he asked me if there was anything he could do for me and whether he could get me a drink before taking off. His gratuitousness and his mannerly attendance to my needs left an impression, to say the least.

His willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty stood out.

He didn’t just do what was required. 

He did a little more. And wow, what a difference he made in my day.

This reminds me of a principle I had the privilege of hearing some years back. Devi Titus, a dear friend of my mother’s and our local church ministry, came and taught at a women’s event. Her teaching was called The “Also Principle.” The “Also Principle” is the concept of going over and above as a way to live. Devi has since gone on to be with the Lord, but her teaching lives on in her book The Home Experience. 

Here are some examples of what the “Also Principle” looks like in everyday life. If someone asks you for a straw, you might offer to get it for them, but then also ask what else you can bring them while you are up. Before leaving the office for the day, you might check with your boss and ask if anything else needs to be done before you go. The “Also Principle” seeks to do more when more is within reach. It’s as if you are willing to say, “I’ve done my duty, but ALSO, what else can I do to go above and beyond what’s required?” 

In John 13, Jesus set the example of what it means to be an “also” person when he chose to break bread with Judas, knowing that he would later betray him. Jesus didn’t have to break bread with Judas, but he served Judas anyway. He took the higher road.

As believers, we should operate with the “Also Principle” everywhere we go and in everything we do.

We bring “also” everywhere we go when:

  • We go above and beyond for people, asking the right questions at the right time.
  • We make specific suggestions for loved ones (while respecting the appropriate boundaries). For example, ask what you can do before you leave someone’s presence. 
  • Notice what people need and volunteer to give it even when they don’t ask.
  • We live with an “also” mindset even when we feel the other person doesn’t deserve it. 

Oh! And the “Also Principle” doesn’t just bless others.

It can bless you!

Consider that “also” people are the people who get promoted, who get noticed, who prove themselves trustworthy, and who get opportunities not necessarily offered to others.

“Also” people let you know that if there’s a way for them to work it out, they will.

As believers, being an “also” person looks like going beyond simple obedience and taking the steps the Lord requires you to take. It looks like allowing Him to establish your steps because you understand the power of going all the way. Sometimes the best “also” you can give is to love someone well by sharing a little more of yourself or your time by pouring into someone who is a little behind you on the road. 

We all have a little extra to give, and you never know what impact your “also” can make.

Your “also” leads to overflow.

Sometimes, that overflow is because you love what you’re doing. You are passionate about the opportunities you have to show up and serve. Other times, you simply show up because you choose to be deliberately excellent in whatever you do because you believe in the scripture that says, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” (Colossians 3:17)

Here’s the thought I want to leave you with – There is power and value in being an “also” person. Don’t reserve your “also” because you question whether someone deserves it or whether anyone will see it and give you recognition for a job well done. Your “also” isn’t about the person you are serving. It’s not about the project that will bring you recognition. It’s not about the place and how your name will be remembered. Your “also” is about doing the right thing at the right time, for the right reason, for the right person because it’s the right thing to do. You only get this one life, and the only thing that will be here after you’re done is the impression you left.

So, if you are going to leave an impression, sprinkle a little “also” on it to make it a good one. 

There is a poem that talks about how our “Also” in the name of Jesus leaves an impression that will actually last. 

If this has been encouraging to you and you want to hear me talk about my experience and read the poem that this experience reminded me of, you can watch this podcast episode by clicking on the video below.

If you want to reference the poem I quote, you can do so by clicking here.

 

Highlights from Today’s Episode

  • Allowing the Lord to establish your steps
  • Going above and beyond
  • Recalling Jesus example
  • Acknowledging that your “also” isn’t about you.
  • Remembering only what is done for Christ will last.

Related Resources

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Let’s Talk!

  1. What does living according to the “Also Principle” currently look like in your life?
  2. In what areas can you be more intentional about living out the “Also Principle”?
  3. Think about a time that someone went above and beyond for you. What kind of impression did it make on you? How does that experience encourage you to intentionally do the same for others?

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