Long Game

I’m not a golfer, but I really enjoy the game of golf. I’m a “hacker”, but the game is enjoyable for sure. There are two major facets of the game of golf – the long game (drives/fairway shots) and there is the short game (chips/putts). I’ve played when both games were off the mark (pretty common for a hacker) and I’ve played at times when my short game was strong, and my long game was decent. If I can get both facets going well, I can enjoy a decent score at the end of the round.

I use this analogy in lots of areas of my life. There are investments that I can make that are “long game” investments – it will take years for the full return, but it will be steady and safe. There are short term investments that higher yield, but risker to take.

Jeremiah raises a complaint to the Lord regarding people who are pretending to follow the Lord – they are not playing the long game or the short game – just a game. Check this out….

¹You are always righteous, Lord,
    when I bring a case before you.
Yet I would speak with you about your justice:
    Why does the way of the wicked prosper?
    Why do all the faithless live at ease?
² You have planted them, and they have taken root;
    they grow and bear fruit.
You are always on their lips
    but far from their hearts.
³ Yet you know me, Lord;
    you see me and test my thoughts about you. (Jeremiah 12:1-3a NLT)

My spiritual journey is a long game perspective. There are times when some short-term insight is very cool and even humbling. I still try to keep my eye on the big finish. I want to finish strong with the Lord by my side. I want to keep my eyes on eternity as I live out my day to day, walking around – short game of life. I don’t want the selfish desires of the “here and now” to cost me the “there and then” – eternal prize.

I want to be steady in seeking the Lord each day of my life, but study of His Word, my dependent prayer and walking out my faith in every area of my life. I want to be an authentic follower of Jesus. I confess and repent of my sins that are already forgiven. It is important for me to notice when my behavior is in conflict with my hearts commitment to the Lord. I want my “short game” (Bible Study, Prayer & Obedience) to honor Him and deliver me the “long game” (eternal life in His Presence).

Pressing On!

Dwayne