The Value of the Long Game

When we’re younger, life is all about now. We have little patience. We want immediate gratification. In other words, we play the short game. It’s all about what feels best now.

Over time, we discover reality doesn’t align with—or reward us—for this approach. 

Staying up late watching movies may feel great in the moment. But oversleeping the next morning and being late for class or work…not so much.

The pull is to quick answers and shortcuts—but God invites us to choose something far better. Over time, as we grow in Christ, we discover the value of the long game. We make hard choices for what matters most. 

That allows our decisions to be based in wisdom rather than the whirlwind or emotion of the moment. And that’s key—because God’s goal isn’t efficiency but transformation. It’s not about the shortest distance or path of least resistance between two points. It's about the journey from who we are to who we’re becoming. 

The short game always gets you somewhere faster. But rarely is it a better place. Instead choose to play the long game—with God, your friends, your family, and your creativity.

This reading was crafted to encourage your pursuit of story and creativity with God. Your donation makes this crowd-funded initiative possible. You can support it via PAYPAL (or by check to Allen Arnold at PO Box 62841, Colorado Springs, CO 80962).

Want More?
Order your copy of The Story of With today