A phrase my Dad used often, “In the long run.” Which meant … “Maybe not immediately. But we do not live for the moment. We plan ahead. We look to the probable consequences of every action we take. We accept the principle of reaping what we sow. What hurts a bit now very well may pay off handsomely in the future, even if in the distant future.”

Then I grew up hearing a godly old Preacher expound the Word of God. He said from time to time … “Never sacrifice the permanent on the altar of the immediate!” What Wisdom! That too means “in the long run.”

The Apostle Paul also was determined, decades in advance, to … “not count my life dear unto myself, so that I might FINISH MY COURSE with joy” (Acts 24:20). And many years later, standing before a Roman executioner, Paul achieved that long-term goal! He died victoriously, even joyfully. He lived “for the long run.”

In Psalm 116:2 the writer, because God answers prayer, has resolved … “I will call upon him as long as I live.” That means “in the long run.” God has been so good to me; I shall live for Him all my days!

In a way Jesus, our dear Lord, lived for the long run. Here’s one reason He endured the Cross of Calvary … ‘For the joy that was set before Him.” For that long range prospect (now realized I might add) He “endured the cross, despised the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hallelujah!

Have I written t anyone today who is growing discouraged? The devil has you thinking about quitting? He wants you to forget “the long run” and its potential blessings?

I encourage you “resist” that rascal in the Name of the Lord. Put on the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) and “stand” against that alluring temptation to “live for the moment.”

In other words, one more time, decide you are going to live in a manner that will reward you “in the long run!”

The Psalmist again, although maybe a different one, “I will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.” That’s indeed planning for “the long run!”

From “today” … until “forever!”

Our eternal God will be waiting for us with a “Well Done” … if we live for the long run!

Demas never even thought about such! “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world,” wrote Paul. The key words there may be “this PRESENT world,” the very opposite of the long run!

Lesson concluded.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Re-enlist today!

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