Many years ago, an old Scottish preacher shared with his congregation a dream. He had died and gone to Heaven and standing at the entrance to the Pearly Gates was Peter. Peter asked for his credentials.

“That’s easy,” he thought, “I’ve preached ten thousand sermons, I’ve written forty-seven books, I have degrees from the most prestigious seminaries, and have stood in the most prominent pulpits.”

A disappointed Peter looked and said, “Sorry, buddy, but nobody in here has heard of you.” Stunned, the preacher rattled off more accomplishments. The community drives, the building projects, the missionary trips. Still no response from Peter.

Crestfallen, the Scottish pastor turned to leave. Suddenly, Peter had a thought, “Sir were you the man who fed the sparrows?”

“Yes, but what does that have to do with it?”

“The Master of Sparrows wants to thank you.”

Now, obviously we know that good works doesn’t get us to Heaven. Furthermore we understand that Peter isn’t standing at Heaven’s Gate. Still the point of this story is vivid. What we do to the “least of these” is done as unto Christ.

The Christian life is not about programs or policy—it’s about service.