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In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of instant gratification. We want results now, success immediately, and growth overnight. But what if the path to true fulfillment and lasting impact requires a different approach? What if we need to play the long game?

The concept of the "long game" speaks to longevity and having the end in mind. It's about building something that lasts, something that will impact not just our immediate surroundings but potentially have global and generational consequences. As we consider our legacy – what we'll be remembered for long after we're gone – we must ask ourselves: Are we willing to commit to consistency in pursuit of a greater purpose?

Consistency is the key ingredient in playing the long game. It's what separates the exceptional from the average, the enduring from the fleeting. We see this principle at work in various aspects of life:

1. Olympic athletes, the cream of the crop, achieve their status through unwavering dedication and consistent training.
2. Long-lasting marriages are built on consistent love, respect, and commitment.
3. Successful weight loss journeys are marked by consistent healthy choices over time.

Yet, consistency is hard. It's challenging to maintain 100% effort all the time in our work, relationships, faith, or any other area of life. We are, by nature, inconsistent beings. Even with the best intentions, we falter. So how do we bridge this gap between our desire for consistency and our inherent inconsistency?

The answer lies in pre-deciding to be consistent. This concept is beautifully illustrated in the biblical story of David, long before he became king of Israel.

As a young man, David was anointed by God to be the future king, but this promise didn't materialize overnight. In fact, David had to wait 15 years before ascending to the throne. During this time, he faced numerous challenges, including persecution from the current king, Saul. Yet, David pre-decided who he would be and how he would act, regardless of his circumstances.

One pivotal moment in David's journey is recorded in 1 Samuel 24. David and his men were hiding in a cave when, by chance, King Saul entered the same cave to relieve himself. David's men saw this as the perfect opportunity for David to kill Saul and claim the throne. But David, consistent with his character and trust in God's plan, refused to harm Saul. Instead, he merely cut off a piece of Saul's robe to prove he could have harmed him but chose not to.

This act of mercy and respect for God's anointed leader showcased David's unwavering character. He had decided long ago to trust in God's timing and plan, refusing to take shortcuts even when presented with a seemingly perfect opportunity. David's consistency in this moment had a profound impact on Saul, who recognized David's superior character and kindness.

The lesson here is clear: God can use our consistency to change the hearts of others. Our character, attitude, and actions can have a ripple effect on those around us, potentially impacting not just our immediate circle but future generations as well.

So how can we cultivate this kind of consistency in our own lives? Here are three practical steps we can take:

1. Do What's Right: This may seem elementary, but it's crucial. Do what's right even when it's difficult, even when no one is watching, even when it goes against our immediate desires. To discern what's right, we can rely on Scripture, prayer, and wise counsel from trusted individuals.

2. Trust God's Timing: Like David, we need to resist the urge to force outcomes or take shortcuts. This means denying ourselves and relying on God, even when His timing doesn't align with our expectations or cultural norms.

3. Repeat Consistently: Keep doing the right thing and trusting God, again and again. Consistency is the key to growth, breakthrough, and becoming who we're meant to be.

However, there's a problem: we are inherently inconsistent. Many of us have tried to be more consistent in various areas of our lives – reading the Bible, joining small groups, maintaining a positive attitude – only to fall short time and again. This realization can be disheartening, but there's good news: God is consistent.

Even in our inconsistency, God sees us, hears us, and loves us. As Romans 5:8 reminds us, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." We can take comfort in knowing that God's love and character remain constant, regardless of our fluctuations.

With God's help, we can grow in consistency and become everything He calls us to be. On our own, we will always fall short, but He is faithful, trustworthy, and unchanging. As we lean into His consistency, we can gradually become more consistent ourselves.

As we embark on this journey of playing the long game, let's remember the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:6: "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." God is committed to the long game in our lives, consistently working to shape us into the people He created us to be.

So, let's embrace the challenge of consistency. Let's pre-decide to do what's right, trust God's timing, and repeat these actions consistently. As we do, we may find that our lives begin to have an impact far beyond what we could have imagined – an impact that reaches across generations and potentially around the globe.

What will your legacy be? How will you be remembered? The answers to these questions are being written right now, in the small, consistent choices you make each day. Are you ready to play the long game?