A minister dies and finds himself standing in a long, glowing line at the Pearly Gates. Clouds drift lazily around his feet as golden light pours down from above. Ahead of him stands a man who looks completely out of place — sunglasses on, loud shirt half-buttoned, leather jacket, jeans, and an attitude that says he never expected to end up here at all.
Saint Peter looks at the man and asks calmly, “Who are you, so that I may know whether or not to admit you to the Kingdom of Heaven?”
The man grins and replies, “I’m Joey Shasta, retired airline pilot.”
Saint Peter flips through his enormous book, nods, and smiles. “Welcome,” he says warmly. “Take this silken robe and golden staff and enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” The pilot shrugs, takes the robe and staff, and strolls through the gates without a second thought.
Then it’s the minister’s turn. He straightens his shoulders, lifts his chin, and speaks with authority. “I am Joseph Snow, pastor of Saint Mary’s Church for the last forty-three years.” Saint Peter studies his list again, then hands the minister a plain cotton robe and a simple wooden staff.
The minister is stunned. “Excuse me?” he says. “That man was a pilot, and he received a silken robe and a golden staff. I devoted my entire life to God. How can this be fair?”
Saint Peter looks up at him, completely unfazed. “Up here, we work by results,” he explains. “While you preached, people slept.”
He pauses, then adds, “When that man flew a plane… everyone prayed.”
