ADULLAM – a 7-Day Devotional for MenSample

Success in God's Eyes: Building on Christ, Not Culture

The world pressures men to chase success, status, and approval—to measure greatness by wealth, influence, or outward appearance. But a man of God does not bow to culture—he bows to Christ.

Israel once demanded a king, desiring someone who looked the part. They chose Saul because he was tall, handsome, and impressive by worldly standards (1 Samuel 9:2). Yet, despite his appearance, Saul lacked obedience and feared man more than he feared God. When he ignored Samuel’s instruction and took matters into his own hands, God rejected him: “Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has also rejected you from being king” (1 Samuel 15:23, English Standard Version).

David, on the other hand, was not man’s first choice. When Samuel arrived at Jesse’s house to anoint the next king, David wasn’t even invited to stand before him. His own father overlooked him. But God did not. “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). David did not seize the throne through ambition—he waited on God’s timing. He became a great king not because he played by the world’s rules but because he was a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22).

Bro, I am learning this as I grow. I see my calling coming to life, and I’m not forcing it. Purpose and fulfillment are not found in chasing opportunities—they are found in abiding in Christ. When we build on Christ, we never labor in vain. “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). He exalts the humble (James 4:10), and He alone establishes the work of our hands.

The world will tell you to build your life on fleeting things, but a house built on sand will fall (Matthew 7:26-27). Build on Christ—the only firm foundation. When He calls, He equips. When He leads, He provides. And when we labor for Him, our work is never in vain.

Challenge: Evaluate what you’re building your life on—is it cultural trends or biblical truth?

Reflection: Where have you conformed to the world rather than standing firm in Christ?