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 \u2014 sunglasses on, loud shirt half-buttoned, leather jacket, jeans, and an attitude that says he never expected to end up here at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saint Peter looks at the man and asks calmly, \u201cWho are you, so that I may know whether or not to admit you to the Kingdom of Heaven?\u201d
The man grins and replies, \u201cI\u2019m Joey Shasta, retired airline pilot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saint Peter flips through his enormous book, nods, and smiles. \u201cWelcome,\u201d he says warmly. \u201cTake this silken robe and golden staff and enter the Kingdom of Heaven.\u201d The pilot shrugs, takes the robe and staff, and strolls through the gates without a second thought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then it\u2019s the minister\u2019s turn. He straightens his shoulders, lifts his chin, and speaks with authority. \u201cI am Joseph Snow, pastor of Saint Mary\u2019s Church for the last forty-three years.\u201d Saint Peter studies his list again, then hands the minister a plain cotton robe and a simple wooden staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The minister is stunned. \u201cExcuse me?\u201d he says. \u201cThat 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?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saint Peter looks up at him, completely unfazed. \u201cUp here, we work by results,\u201d he explains. \u201cWhile you preached, people slept.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He pauses, then adds, \u201cWhen that man flew a plane\u2026 everyone prayed.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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