Life is like a game. It moves towards a goal, has rules to follow, and won't go on forever. John Ortberg explains how to play the game of life in When the Game is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box. Rather than striving to be Master of the Board, Ortberg reminds us that the object of life is to be rich towards God---loving Him and loving others. Everything else---your possessions, your resume, your money, your power---will all go back in the box when your life is over. Learn how to play the game, recognize hazards along the way, and collect eternal trophies when you follow Ortberg's kingdom-based strategy!
A promotion. A new house. The rewards of winning at life’s game can be thrilling. But eventually everything goes back into the box, and what ultimately matters is whether we’ve played according to God’s rules. John Ortberg uses popular games and his trademark gift of storytelling to help us live our lives for the things that really count.
Pastor and bestselling author Ortberg (God Is Closer Than You Think;
Everybody's Normal Till You Get to Know Them) offers a thoughtfully written
instruction manual for Christian "game players" of all ages. Using games as a
metaphor, Ortberg presents carefully considered tactics for succeeding in life
from God's vantage point. Each chapter weaves the rules of gaming with the
Christian journey: understanding the object of the game (being spiritually
"rich" toward God); the setup (keeping score, taking turns, preventing
regret); how to play (with rules, gratitude and a mission); hazards
(competition, greed, losing); and winning (choosing the right trophies).
Christians will especially appreciate Ortberg's wise counsel on being the kind
of player other people want to sit next to, as he exhorts readers to learn to
lose with grace, win with grace and forgive with grace. Perspective is key;
after all, "when the game is over, it all goes back in the box." Ortberg
demonstrates some finesse in bringing together the extended game imagery with
various real-life stories that are by turns comical and poignant. With
excellent tools for personal and group study alike, this book's strategy
offers a win-win solution. (Sept.) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.
"…a thoughtfully written instruction manual for Christian ’game players’ of all ages. Using games as a metaphor, Ortberg presents carefully considered tactics for succeeding in life from God’s vantage point. Each chapter weaves the rules of gaming with the Christian journey: understanding the object of the game (being spiritually ’rich’ toward God); the setup (keeping score, taking turns, preventing regret); how to play (with rules, gratitude, and a mission; hazards (competition, greed, losing); and winning (choosing the right trophies). Christians will especially appreciate Ortberg’s wise counsel on being the kind of player other people want to sit next to, as he exhorts readers to learn to lose with grace, win with grace and forgive with grace. Perspective is key; after all, ’when the game is over, it all goes back in the box.’ Ortberg demonstrates some finesse in bringing together the extended game imagery with various real-life stories that are by turns comical and poignant. With excellent tools for personal and group study alike, this book’s strategy offers a win-win solution." — PW Religion BookLine
Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars(4.5 out of 5 stars)
8 of 14 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)
3 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Bob White (Morristown, TN), October 20, 2009
This is a " toe stomping" book and a great small group study but the one problem that I have with it as a small group leader is that the leader's guide and the video do not align with the chapters of the book and that makes it difficult to coordinate the material per session.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by David Van Wettering (Portales, NM), October 14, 2008
This is another great book by John Ortberg. This book powerfully illustrates the contrast between world riches and eternal glories.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Advent Lutheran Church (Augusta, GA), October 01, 2008
The book is excellent..the DVD is not all that great. John does not speak to a gathered 'audience'--so it is not as effective as it should be. The book is GREAT though.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Arlene Danielsen (Seattle, WA), August 18, 2008
I ordered this book following the reading of Ortberg's "If You Want To Walk On Water You've Got To Get Out Of The Boat." I love his style of writing. If you like a little humor along with life's lessons, you will be enthralled with his books. I am just reading this one now, but, so far, it has me looking forward to each new chapter.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Sheila Perrotta (Pinehurst, NC), July 21, 2008
John Ortberg is one of my favorites and I really loved this book! I plan to share it with friends.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Adrienne Jones (Euclid, OH), June 02, 2008
This is a must read if you are serious about being a better Christian. Author Ortberg explained the subject matter in a simple yet meaningful way. This book has confirmed some things I already knew and brought to light some new things. This book causes you to review your life and think about what matters most.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Heather Buck (Punta Gorda, FL), May 02, 2008
This book is excellent! I enjoyed it very much. My husband will be reading it next. We like to play board games so the analogies throughout the book were really neat.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Tony Wendt (Neenah, WI), March 26, 2008
Not enough hi-liter to underline all the great passages in this book! Prepare to search yourself for ways to walk closer to God!
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