When the Game is Over

Author and pastor John Ortberg tells the story of playing Monopoly as a child with his grandmother. He remembers her as a ruthless competitor who often teased him as she won: “Don’t worry, Johnny. Someday, you’ll learn how to play.”

As he grew older, John did, in fact, learn how to play – and he eventually drove his grandmother to board game bankruptcy. Gloating over his domination, he learned she still had one more lesson to teach him.

“When the game is over,” she said, packing up all his land, houses and hotels, “it all goes back in the box.”

Likewise, Jesus taught His disciples that everything we possess in this lifetime is temporary.

Our homes, our cars, our toys, our trinkets – eventually they won’t amount to anything if we only accumulate and hoard them for ourselves. When we stake our happiness, success and worth in our earthly possessions, we’ll always come up short.

In the words of Jesus: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19, NIV)

Instead, Jesus challenges us to invest in those things that will last beyond a lifetime. Whether it’s our time, talents, influence or possessions, we’re called to give up everything in the pursuit of what really matters: loving God and loving others.

“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:20-21, NIV)

When this game is over, what will truly matter?

Set your eyes and your heart on those things. God will take anything we give Him and multiply the impact far beyond our wildest dreams.

When we invest in God’s Kingdom and the people He loves, the dividends ripple throughout all eternity.

Everything else just goes back in the box.