I spent years trying to work out what success meant.

At school, I was taught that it meant getting a successful career.

The world defines success by what you own, a house, cars, money, and even how many tools you have in the shed.

My dad taught me that it was about being a provider and working hard, and I didn’t want to let him down.

When I started working, I worked hard to prove to my dad that I was a successful man. I didn't want to look like a failure. No matter how hard I worked, I still felt empty.

I was also taught that it had something to do with being “a real man,” but no one could explain what that meant.

In church, it was preached that success in God's eyes was tied to leadership, preaching, getting married, and having a family.

What happens to people who aren’t married and don’t have families? Does that mean they can’t be successful?

The biggest change came when I realised success had nothing to do with what I had been chasing.

Nine years ago, the whole picture fell apart when I went to prison after confessing my guilt.

I remember lying on my cell bed, believing my life was finished.

Everything I thought made me successful was gone.

God came to me in my cell (Psalm 34:18). He began to change me from the inside out (2 Corinthians 5:17).

My renewed faith in Jesus changed everything. It changed success from outward appearance to a heart posture before God.

I have learned that success is walking with integrity and living honestly before God.

When I look at Scripture, success isn’t about achievement, money, status, or how impressive our life looks from the outside.

The Bible teaches that success is being faithful to God, because it’s required of stewards that they be found faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2).

Jesus says, Well done, good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21), and God told Joshua to hold onto His Word and live by it, for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success (Joshua 1:8).

This is the life the Psalms describe, like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season (Psalm 1:1–3).

When knowing Christ matters more than anything we gain (Philippians 3:7–8), and where the one who walks in integrity walks securely (Proverbs 10:9).

Jesus also says, the greatest among you shall be your servant (Matthew 23:11).

I have learned that success is being faithful to God, as His Spirit changes my heart and the way I live.