Long before Norman Vincent Peale wrote about The Power of Positive Thinking or The Secret told us we can have anything we can imagine, Florence Scovel Shinn self-published the classic "The Game of Life and How to Play It" in 1925.

Shinn was a pioneer of motivational thinking who took the universal truths in the Bible and translated them into The Game of Life. "Jesus Christ taught that it was a great game of Giving and Receiving."

What Are The Rules of the Game of Life?

Shinn tell us there are four Laws, the Law of Prosperity, the Law of Non-Resistance, the Law of Karma and the Law of Forgiveness. So how do these work?

The Law of Prosperity decrees that God is the supply and there is a supply for every demand. Jesus told us we have not because we ask not. Shinn writes, "Man must prepare for the thing he asked for, when there isn't the slightest sign of it in sight."

The Law of Non-Resistance embodies the very essence of Christ. What you resist, persists, even manifests itself as the very thing you don't want! Instead, embrace and love your enemies, forgo attachment and accept the gifts of the universe.

We all know the Law of Karma, or "comeback." Whatsoever a man soweth, so shall he reap. Dishonesty does not pay off for most people, even in the short run. Those collisions with the Karma Bus are inevitable Yet Christ told us we are saved by grace and will not come into judgment for our karmic debt. Shinn calls salvation the Law of Forgiveness.

How to Play the Game of Life

But what we do about the troubles in daily life? With faith, non-resistance and love! Kick your problems upstairs - what Shinn calls Casting the Burden. The chapter on Intuition or Guidance is very detailed, with instructions on how to ask for and interpret "leads" or what we would call signs from God today. Just as the game is giving and receiving, giving opens the way to receiving. Always be prepared to give for when the receiver is ready, the giver appears....and it could be you! Just as when you ask, God will guide the giver to you.

Can You Win the Game of Life?

Shinn concludes The Game of Life with affirmations for prosperity, health, guidance and more. Here she gives us her most famous quote and affirmation:

• I have a perfect work,
• in a perfect way;
• I give a perfect service,
• For perfect pay.

Shinn's masterpiece is still in print 90 years later and in every library, inspiring us to pray, love, give and forgive as we master the Game of Life.