Josh wrote this last night—very truthful.
THE WAY
No platform to boast.
No photos to engage.
No more viral posts.
You won’t find his page.
Many say he missed his moment.
For seven years, he lived where others vacationed.
Many told him he was living the dream.
His boss even said, “You make me green with envy.”
Panoramic Mountain Views.
Four cabins by a lake.
The perfect getaway.
Who would give up a life like that to hang with the lowly in a Third World country?
Sleep on a couch with no recognition?
No more approval or donations from the wealthy.
No more Friday night fire pit Facebook videos.
No more selfies from the balcony.
No more pride to shine behind. Friends now think he lost his mind.
“And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.”
A life pleasing to God often looks like losing to the world.
It is wisdom that looks foolish.
Even powerful rulers cannot understand it.
“If they had understood, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”
What motivates a man to sell everything he has, give the money to the poor and build homes he will never live in himself?
“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure, hidden in a field, that a person found and hid. Then because of joy he went and sold all that he had and bought that field.”
A very poor Filipino asked him, “Are you a pastor?”
“He prays over us. He comes from a rich country. He must be a pastor.”
The kingdom of God, despite popular opinion, is not about receiving titles and recognition.
It’s about knowing The Way, The Truth and The Life.
“Not everyone who calls me their Lord will get into the kingdom of heaven. Only the ones who obey my Father in heaven will get in. On the day of judgment many will call me their Lord. They will say, “We preached in your name, and in your name we forced out demons and worked many miracles.” But I will tell them, “I will have nothing to do with you! Get out of my sight, you evil people!”
And it’s not the way of the world.
It’s not the way of cultural Christianity.
It’s not the way of church attendance.
It’s not the way of twisting scripture for financial gain.
It’s not the way of using Grace as an excuse to satisfy earthly desires.
It’s not the way of comfort.
It’s not the way of platforms and self promotion.
It’s a death blow to the ego.
It will cost you approval. It could cost you good health or a job promotion. It may cost you that American dream home, dream car, and dream vacation.
If you truly follow The Way.
Sounds extreme.
There are no radical Christians—only obedient ones.
“If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself.”
It’s the way of giving up anything to have obedience to God being your everything.
It’s about becoming nothing, like Jesus, who, for the joy set before him endured the cross.
It’s the way of sacrificing temporary conveniences for eternal rewards.
“My friends, you were chosen to be free. So don't use your freedom as an excuse to do anything you want. Use it as an opportunity to serve each other with love.”
Embrace obscurity and focus on eternity.
It’s the way of eternal joy.
The ultimate exchange.
Josh Parham
©️8/23/2025
