Playing the Long Game

Steven’s Scribbles
“Playing the Long Game”
Rom. 8:28
    
    In a time of smart phones, smart TVs, gaming consoles, wikipedia, and every other device of instant gratification, Christians need to be reminded of delayed gratification. In common terms, Christians need to be ready to “play the long game.” This means taking short necessary steps now, that will have compounded effects later in life. This can be better bible study habits, praying, financial responsibility, etc. Staying faithful to God everyday is a way of playing the long game. Even when it is advantageous to cave to social pressure, it will hurt you eternally. When the Apostles were questioned about continuing to preach and teach Jesus when commanded to stop, their response was, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). It was advantageous in the moment to not preach Jesus, but that would not have benefitted their eternal inheritance (Matt. 6:19-24). An Old Testament account that is a good example of playing the long game is Esther. If you haven’t read Esther lately, stop right now and read the book, it is only 10 chapters. When Esther had been promoted to Queen and Haman threatened to kill Mordecai and all the Jews, Esther nor Mordecai acted rashly. In the face of annihilation, Mordecai told Esther, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish” (Esther 4:14). He’s saying, don’t threaten your life for this, because God will take care of us. Through God’s providence and through trusting in Him, Esther and Mordecai were able to save all the Jews living in the Persian empire at the time. Christians need to not act rashly. We need to trust that God, through His providence, “causes all things to work together for god to those who love God, and to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28). Search for God’s good and His Kingdom, and be assured of that eternal blessed hope (Matt. 6:33-34). I love you all!


In His service,
Steven Hugley