When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box
by John Ortberg
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Remember the thrill of winning at checkers or Parcheesi? You become the Master of the Board-the victor over everyone else. But what happens after that, asks bestselling author John Ortberg. You know the answer: It all goes back in the box. You don't get to keep one token, one chip, one game card. In the end, the spoils of the game add up to nothing. Using popular games as a metaphor for our temporal lives, When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box neatly sorts out what's fleeting show more and what's permanent in God's kingdom. Being Master of the Board is not the point; being rich toward God is. Winning the game of life on Earth is a temporary victory; loving God and other people with all our hearts is an eternal one. Using humor, terrific stories, and a focus on winning "the right trophies," Ortberg paints a vivid picture of the priorities that all Christians will want to embrace. show lessTags
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The book consists of a number of entertaining stories and anecdotes to lead the reader to see what the important things in life are. The book is fairly light on Bibilical references and stories. It almost felt like a more organized "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book. It is easy to read and somewhat enjoyable, but is unlikely to change anyone's life. This one probably should go back in the box.
John Ortberg takes the image of a game, such as Monopoloy. He recounts anecdotes with his grandmother, who taught him a great deal about sportsmanship and games in general, and he relates it to daily life.
The overall theme is to make live worth living, since it will eventually come to an end, just like a board game. The book is divided into sections - setup, hazards, how to play, and so on - with parts of games used as analogies for different aspects of living life.
I don't suppose there was anything in the book that I hadn't read before in other contexts, but I found an interesting and often thought-provoking read. Ortberg's style is clear and inspiring, and there are some unexpected humorous asides here and there.
Recommended.
The overall theme is to make live worth living, since it will eventually come to an end, just like a board game. The book is divided into sections - setup, hazards, how to play, and so on - with parts of games used as analogies for different aspects of living life.
I don't suppose there was anything in the book that I hadn't read before in other contexts, but I found an interesting and often thought-provoking read. Ortberg's style is clear and inspiring, and there are some unexpected humorous asides here and there.
Recommended.
An excellent book. I became interested in reading it after seeing the author's video bible study series of the same name. The book is so much better, and very well written.
The author shows us what it takes to really win at the game of life - being rich toward God! This book will help you live with an eternal perspective, keeping your eye on the true prize - the one that unlocks the gate to the Kingdom of God.
Very good book :)
Very good book :)
I am reading this to help lead my small group. We are watching the companion DVD series each week. John Ortberg gives some good food for thought regarding how one lives with an eternal perspective.
All the goals and possessions we've struggled to achieve can become hollow when we see our lives in proper perspective.
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John Ortberg is senior pastor at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in Menlo Park, California. He is the bestselling author of Who Is This Man: When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box; and The Life You're Always Wanted, John and his wife, Nancy, have three grown children.
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