The story is told about a pastor who died and went to heaven. As he stood in line at the Pearly Gates waiting for his reward, he noticed that the man in from of him was a rough-looking character in a black leather jacket. Saint Peter commended him for his work on God’s behalf and gave him a beautiful silk robe and a golden staff. When the pastor saw this, he thought, “If a rough fellow like that receives such a reward, imagine what I will get.”
When his turn came, the pastor was given a plain cotton robe and a wooden staff. Upset at the difference, he asked, “Why did you give me a reward like this, when you gave that rough-looking fellow a silk robe and a golden staff?” “The answer should be obvious,” Saint Peter explained. “His work brought people closer to God.” “How can that be?” the pastor objected. “I was a minister in the church for 43 years!” “True,” Saint Peter replied. “But he was a taxi driver in New York. While you preached, people slept. When he drove, people prayed.”
View more sermon illustrations for inspiration for your next message.