Everyone wants success. But as believers, we know that God’s definition differs greatly from the world’s. This world is full of people pursuing money, fame, and influence, striving to build their own kingdoms (Matt. 6:19–21).

Even among those of us who follow Christ, the desire for success can take many forms. Many in ministry are striving to be well known, raise as much money as possible, and win more souls. These can be good things when done with the right motivation and in ways that honor God. But too often, worldly desires and techniques can undermine the spiritual health of ministries (Rom. 12:2).

The world’s path to success doesn’t work in God’s counterintuitive Kingdom. Instead, we must look to God’s Word to find out how to succeed in God’s way.

First, if you want God to lift you up, humble yourself. The path upward always begins downward (Matt. 23:12; Luke 14:11). Pride makes God oppose us, but genuine humility aligns us with His favor. When we lift ourselves up for our own purposes and in our own way, we forfeit the blessings of God’s special calling on our lives. And worse, if we gain worldly “success” in rebellion to God, it can easily end up destroying us (Prov. 16:18).

In fact, being “lifted up” in Scripture doesn’t always mean what we think it means. When Jesus, the Son of Man, was lifted up, it had a double meaning. He was lifted up on a cross, and in that act, lifted up in glory. The cross — an emblem of humiliation — became the place of exaltation (Phil. 2:8–11). 

In prison, Joseph interpreted the dreams of two fellow prisoners (Gen. 40:13,19). To Pharaoh’s cupbearer, he said, “In three days, Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your position.” But to the baker, Joseph said, “Pharaoh will lift up your head—from you—and will hang you.” The same “lifting up” carries both life and death. In Hebrew, “to lift up” can also mean “to take away.” John 1:29 echoes this: “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” When God lifts up our sins, He removes the burden from us.

We can exalt ourselves and risk losing our lives. But when we humble ourselves—when we serve rather than control, when we seek to help instead of being seen—He raises us up in His timing, His way, and for His glory (1 Pet. 5:6).

Second, if you want greater resources, be faithful with what you already have. We often want more before we’ve learned to steward the resources we already have. But God only entrusts more to those who’ve shown Him they can handle it (Luke 16:10; Matt. 25:21). The world rewards ambition, tempting us to store up and chase after more. But God rewards faithfulness. When we prove trustworthy with what He’s placed in our hands, He provides exactly what we need, when we need it.

Both blessing and hardship test our hearts. In scarcity, it’s easy to believe God has forgotten us, or that our sins have blocked His blessings. Yet, those seasons can develop humility and gratitude, teaching us empathy and compassion. It can even lead to innovation, helping us become better stewards (Phil. 4:11–13).

Abundance can be just as much of a test. Prosperity can make us hard-hearted, entitled, or lead us to misuse what we’ve been given. But it can also soften our hearts, awakening generosity and a deeper thankfulness (1 Tim. 6:17–19). It’s good to pray for wisdom to handle what God entrusts to us—and to pass it on, investing more in His Kingdom.

Third, if you want to be fruitful in evangelism, love people. Methods and training have their place, but love is what ultimately transforms. When we love those we’re trying to reach, we reflect Jesus’ heart. And people can tell. Real love cuts through cynicism and breaks down defenses.

Christians can sometimes feel guilty for not sharing the gospel, but guilt is not a good motivation for fruitfulness; it usually paralyzes us and disconnects us from God, who is the very source of fruit. Abiding in God is what fills us with compelling love and compassion that makes the truth flow naturally to those around us, without awkwardness.

And love isn’t just a feeling—it’s a practice. We grow in compassion through shared experiences like loss or hardship, but also through simple acts of kindness. When we choose to love—visiting, listening, serving, helping—we begin to see the image of God in others. As we practice love, it transforms us and glorifies our Father in heaven (Matt. 5:16).

These are values that we strive to live out at Horizons. We’re not perfect, but we want to follow and imitate Christ. Rooted in the Vine, we draw from Jesus Himself, and that’s what ultimately bears fruit. It all flows from Him; all the growth, all the resources, every life drawn to Christ.

First published in On the Horizon (Horizons International), [Dec, 2025]. Revised and edited for the Journal of Biblical Missiology.