How Do We Get to Heaven?

“Shane, it sounds like you’re ready for the big game on Saturday. The Road Runners won’t even know what hit ‘em!” said Mom. Shane nodded while leaning over to get another cookie before Jaiden grabbed it. “Yeah, but the problem is Treyson’s our best hitter and he won’t be there. His uncle died last week and he has to go to the funeral.” Shane paused and rested his chin in his hand as if he were trying to figure out a difficult math problem. “Treyson’s sad because he misses his uncle, but do you know what?” “What?” asked Mom. “Treyson says he and his family will see his uncle in Heaven someday and they’ll all be together again.” Shane thought for a moment and asked, “Mom, how do we get to Heaven?” “That’s a very good question. You see, …” began Mom. “That’s easy!” interrupted Jaiden. “We believe in God so we’ll all go to Heaven.” “A lot of people think that’s the answer, but just believing in God isn’t enough to go to Heaven,” said Mom. “Hmmmmm,” said Shane. “I bet all the people who go to church go to Heaven.” “We go to church to praise God and to learn more about Him, but there’s something much more important,” answered Dad. “I know!” said Jaiden quickly. “It’s because we’re nice to people. I share my toys with friends and you and Mom teach kids at church.” “God’s happy when we’re kind to others, but being a good person isn’t how we get to Heaven either,” said Mom. “The Bible teaches us we don’t get to Heaven by being nice.” Pushing the plate filled with crumbs away, Shane sighed. “I give up, how do we get to Heaven?”