Today's question comes to us from a listener named Joshua.

Pastor John, hello, as a Christian at the end of my life.

Have I really done all that I could have for Christ if I don't become a martyr for him?

I'm currently working in a skilled trade, and by all accounts I'm climbing the ladder

of success, so to speak.

But a few years ago, I began to feel that God was calling me into a path that might be

deeper and more directly impactful for the kingdom, began to feel as though a life spent

in the workforce or in corporate America was a waste of time and energy.

I have spent several years trying to figure out God's calling on my life so far to no

avail.

My question is this, if I spend my life in a career that does not have the direct mission

of spreading the gospel, isn't that wasteful.

Why would God place me in a job that isn't involved in expanding his kingdom, but rather

consumes my energy and material production?

And more directly, have I truly done everything, used every ounce of strength, given every

fiber of my being to the kingdom of God, if I don't become a martyr for Christ?

Pastor John, what would you say to Joshua?

I have three cautions for Joshua and then a couple of exhortations.

The first caution is, I think it is invalid to persuade yourself to leave a job and enter

a new ministry if the argument that you use to persuade yourself necessarily puts other

obedient people in the category of disobedient.

Let me try to explain.

...