I was 17 years old and had just committed myself to being a full-time servant of God in my career. How long? Well, forever of course. Any other use of my life would be compromising on what God had called me to that night. That commitment influenced my choice of college and major at college, my decision to go on summer mission trips for 5 straight summers, and my career decisions after I graduated.

But what happens to you when you make such a bold promise and then you decide you no longer want to be a pastor, or a missionary, or a non-profit entrepreneur? What goes on inside your deepest heart and mind when you decide to give a career as a real estate agent a go after so many years of serving God as a Pastor?

Shame. Religious shame. That’s what.