I'm not preaching this Sunday, but enjoyed this sermon illustration that one of my friends shared with me today, especially paired with the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16).
--By the way, why do these so often start "A man dies and goes to heaven or the Pearly Gates"? Where are the women? Maybe most are like my mom; they take the passing lane straight into heaven.--
Anyway...
A man dies and goes to heaven. Of course, St. Peter meets him at the Pearly Gates.
St. Peter says, "Here's how it works. You need 100 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things you've done, and I give you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was. When you reach 100 points, you get in."
"Okay," the man says, "I was married to the same woman for 50 years and never cheated on her, even in my heart."
"That's wonderful," says St. Peter, "that's worth three points!"
"Three points?"
He says, "Well, I attended church every Sunday and supported its ministry with my tithe and service."
"Terrific!" says St. Peter, "that's certainly worth a point."
"One point? Well, I started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter for homeless veterans."
"Fantastic," answers Peter, "that's good for 2 more points."
"Two points?" The man cries, "At this rate the only way I get into heaven is by the grace of God!"
St Peter smiled. "There's your 100 points! Come on in!"
(I'm sorry I couldn't find an author; it's available in various places on the web, and on Sermons.com.)
