When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box

Starred review from June 11, 2007
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.