– Deciding to give up something that feels good now for something better later –
Studies have shown that those who exercise the self-discipline of delayed gratification tend to be more successful in the long run. If you can look past your present circumstance at your future opportunities and alternatives, you have an advantage over those who focus on only the present opportunity. You can see the long-term risks and rewards and thus choose the best path to your desired destination instead of staring at the forks in the road and getting lost in the process. God has promised you many rewards, but you must be willing to wait for them. You must be willing to choose His promised rewards rather than the minuscule temporary rewards available in the here and now.
“Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” – Psalm 27:14 (NLT)
Questions
- What are some things that seem good now but aren’t really good for you?
- Why would it be good to wait?
- How does it feel when you wait for something good and then the right thing comes?
- Do you think technology and the rise of on-demand services have affected our ability to wait for things?
- Do you believe that instant gratification is more prevalent in today’s society compared to the past? Why or why not?
- Are there cultural or societal factors that influence our attitudes toward delayed gratification?
- In what areas of life do you find it most challenging to delay gratification, and why?
- What rewards in your life are worth waiting for?
- What would you give up in the present (right now) to receive those rewards?
More Discussion Ideas
Alternate Descriptions
- Choosing to not settle for something unhealthy just because it will feel good now
- The decision to give up receiving an immediate reward in favor of a later, better reward
Activites
Multimedia Resources
Parent Resources
The Marshmallow Test – Illustration by Bible.Org