From Success to Significance: Redefining What It Means to Win as a Man of God

Because climbing the ladder means nothing if it’s leaning on the wrong wall.

We live in a world that has very strong opinions about what it means to “win.” Culture says real success looks like:

• A big salary

• A bigger truck

• A corner office

• A golf handicap you brag about

• A garage full of “projects” you absolutely will get to one day

• A retirement plan that would make Dave Ramsey shed a proud tear

And listen, none of that is inherently bad, God is not anti-success. But here’s the problem: You can be successful in the world and bankrupt in your soul.

You can:

• Make money but lose your marriage.

• Earn respect from coworkers but have nothing to talk about with your kids.

• Be admired publicly but empty privately.

That is not winning.That is exhaustion in a suit.

So What Does God Call Winning?

Let’s go to Scripture: Mark 8:36 — “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?” Translation: If your achievements cost you your identity in Christ, your peace, your family, or your integrity...that is not success.

God’s definition of winning is different:

Success (world): What you collect

Significance (God): What you give

Success (world): Your name known

Significance (God): God’s name known

Success (world): Building your empire

Significance (God): Building His Kingdom

Jesus Redefined Winning

Jesus never said: “Blessed are the wealthy, the powerful, and the impressive.” But He did say: “Blessed are the poor in spirit…the meek…the peacemakers…the pure in heart.” (Matthew 5)

Jesus didn’t recruit:

• CEOs

• Influencers

• Navy SEALs

• Networking experts with LinkedIn recommendations

He chose fishermen, tax collectors, rough men, flawed men...guys like us. Why? Because God is not looking for impressive men.He is looking for available men.

Real Talk: Success Is Not the Enemy — Self-Glory Is.

You can:

• Make money

• Lead teams

• Grow businesses

• Build influence

• Win in your field

All while being fully surrendered to God.

The question isn’t: “How much did you achieve?”

The question is: “Who gets the glory?”

Success becomes significance when the purpose is bigger than you.

The Shift Every Man of God Must Make

1. From Kingdom of Me → To Kingdom of God

Stop asking: “How do I build my life up?”

Start asking: “How do I build His Kingdom where I stand?”

Your family is your first ministry.

If you win the world and lose your home...brother, that’s not winning.

2. From Impressing Others → To Impacting Others

Men secretly want respect. (Okay, not secretly. We would like a parade every time we take the trash out.) But the real mark of a Godly man is not applause, its impact.

Ask: “Who is closer to Jesus because they know me?”

If the answer is no one, your ladder is leaned on the wrong wall.

3. From Achievement → To Assignment

Your job is not your identity. Your job is where your purpose is currently deployed.

You are a:

• Kingdom ambassador at work

• Warrior in your marriage

• Shepherd in your home

• Disciple-maker in your friendships

Your purpose didn’t disappear, it just got practical.

Men will say:

• “Lord, use me to change the world!”But refuse to change the trash bag."

• “God, give me nations!”But won’t give God 15 minutes in the morning."

• "Lord, make me more like Jesus!”But panic when He starts sanding off your pride."

  
  

Relax. God’s not mad at you, He’s growing you.

Spiritual maturity is just:

• Less ego

• More obedience

• Less performance

• More presence

  
  

Living a Life of Significance Looks Like:

• Choosing honesty even when lying is easier

• Loving your wife when you're frustrated

• Showing up for your kids even when you’re tired

• Praying even when you're not feeling spiritual

• Serving when no one sees

• Giving when you could keep

• Leading when you'd rather hide

This isn’t glamorous, this is holy.

And Heaven sees every moment.

You’re Not Behind

God has not overlooked you. You didn’t miss your calling. You’re not too late. You’re not too flawed. You’re not disqualified.

Your purpose is alive. Your assignment is active. Your significance is unfolding. “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” — Philippians 1:6.

God is not done with you. Not even close.

⚔️ Call to Action

Take 2 minutes today and ask: “Lord, where can I serve someone else this week?”

Then do it.

Small steps → Big impact → Eternal significance.