HEAVEN OR HELL?

A highly skilled nurse died and arrived before St. Peter at the pearly gates, who explained, "We have this policy of allowing you to choose whether you want to spend eternity in heaven or hell." "That's easy," the nurse said. "I want to stay in heaven."

"It's not that easy," said St. Peter. "You have to spend a day in each place before making this decision."

With that, he put the nurse on an elevator and sent her down to hell. The elevator doors opened and the nurse found herself in a sunny garden, where many former friends and colleagues warmly greeted her. She had a great time all day laughing and talking about old times. That night, she had an excellent supper in a fantastic restaurant. She even met the devil, who turned out to be a pretty nice guy. Before she knew it, her day was over and she returned to heaven. The day in heaven was great as well. She lounged around on clouds, sang, and played the harp.

At the end of the day, St. Peter came and asked for her decision. "Well, heaven was great and all," the nurse said, "but I had a better time in hell. I know it sounds strange, but I choose hell."

With that, she got back in the elevator and went back down. When the doors opened, she saw a desolate wasteland covered in garbage and filth. Her friends, dressed in rags, were picking up garbage and putting it into sacks.

When the devil walked over, she said to him, "I don't understand. Yesterday, this place was beautiful. We had a delicious meal and a wonderful time laughing and talking."

The devil smiled and said, "Yesterday, we were recruiting you. Today, you're staff."

--Author Unknown

 

Even though this story isn't biblically accurate, it is a good illustration of how the devil makes sin look good and lures people away from the true peace and happiness that only comes from a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. I don't want you to be deceived by the tricks of the enemy. The devil will do everything in his power to entice you and make you think that living your life against the Lord is where the most fun will be found, but that is a lie straight from the pits of hell. Only with the Lord as your leader will you find the true peace that He offers to all who come to Him. (John 10:9-11) (Revelation 3:20)