Recently a man just promoted to top management at one of the world’s 10 largest companies said to me, “I’m really wondering if I should leave business and go into ministry. I don’t feel like I can make as big of an impact in business as I could in ministry.”

I really admire him for wanting to serve God with all that is in him.

But I shared some things with him that I would also like to share with you.

First, I told him, “I’m the guy who did that. At 42 years of age I left the world of business and started Man in the Mirror. 

“Honestly, at the time, I thought I would feel more holy. While I never thought anyone else would see it, I thought I would look in the mirror one morning and see the faint trace of a halo staring back at me. I’m still waiting!

“What I didn’t expect surprised me. I thought when my calling changed that my friends would follow and support me. Wrong! A few did, but most of them had callings of their own – ones that didn’t include me. I never saw that coming. As you might suspect, I really had to work through that.

“Another phenomenon I did expect, but one I could never properly prepare for, was the decrease in prestige in the eyes of the world. You see, I was the guy you tried to get an appointment with if you wanted to run for Governor of our state. But when I left the business world for ministry, I couldn’t get the dogcatcher to return my calls. And I’m not exaggerating!”

So I told this man, and I’ll say to you as well, “No one else can tell you what God’s will is for your life on any matter unless it is specifically commanded or prohibited by Scripture. However, it seems like God has gone to a lot of trouble to either cause or allow you to be placed in a position of great influence – and especially at such a young age. 

“I suggest you consider and pray about whether or not this is your ministry – at least for now.”

I continued, “Our jobs are not just a platform for ministry – they are ministry. Fixing computers, delivering packages, or managing one of the world’s largest companies is every bit as spiritual as teaching at a Christian school or serving on a church or ministry staff. There is no such thing as a ‘secular’ job – at least in the eyes of God. Every vocation is holy to the Lord.”

So should you go into ministry? You already are. The question is whether or not you should go into “vocational” ministry.

Maybe, but here’s one final thought. When I was in business, about one day a week I was ready to chuck the whole thing. But now that I’m in ministry I don’t feel that way anymore…now it’s two days a week.