Being a godly man according to the Bible involves living according to God’s standards and seeking to honor Him in all areas of life. Here is an overview of some of the key principles the Bible provides for being a godly man:
Seek God First
The most fundamental calling for a godly man is to seek God first in his life. As Matthew 6:33 states, a man is to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” This means making time for prayer, Bible reading and obedience to God’s commands each day. A godly man builds his life around his relationship with God rather than fitting God into his busy schedule.
Love and Lead His Family
A critical aspect of being a godly man is loving and leading one’s family. Ephesians 5:25 calls men to “love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Husbands are called to sacrificially love their wives, putting their wife’s needs above their own. Fathers are also called to gently bring up their children in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). This involves actively teaching them God’s Word, modeling godly character and disciplining them lovingly.
Work Diligently
The Bible emphasizes that a godly man will work hard to provide for himself and his family. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10, Paul says that “if anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” A man who is able but unwilling to work to support himself and his household has disobeyed God’s directives. A godly man strives to work diligently and provide for physical needs.
Pursue Sexual Purity
In a sexually immoral culture, a godly man will pursue purity in his eyes, mind and actions. Jesus teaches that lust is morally equivalent to adultery of the heart (Matthew 5:28). Paul instructs men to avoid sexual immorality and learn to control their bodies in holiness and honor (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). Practically this involves guarding one’s eyes from lustful looking, one’s mind from sexual fantasizing and one’s body from sexually immoral behavior.
Keep His Word
God desires men of integrity who keep their word. The book of Psalms states that a godly man “keeps his oath even when it hurts” (Psalm 15:1). In the workplace, this means following through on spoken and written commitments, paying bills on time and avoiding deceptive business practices. At home, it involves keeping promises made to family members and doing what one says they will do.
Use Words Constructively
A godly man is careful and constructive with his words. James 1:26 notes that those who consider themselves religious but cannot control their tongue have worthless religion. The Bible instructs men to avoid “corrupting talk” and instead build others up with their words (Ephesians 4:29). This requires exercising self-control over one’s speech and resisting the urge to speak out in anger or belittle others.
Show Humility Toward Others
Despite mankind’s sinfulness, the Bible calls men to demonstrate humility and to esteem others above themselves (Philippians 2:3). God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). A godly man avoids arrogance and is willing to serve others with a humble spirit. He admits when he is wrong and is quick to forgive the faults of others while examining his own.
Care for the Vulnerable
God commands his people to demonstrate special care for the vulnerable and needy. Isaiah 1:17 instructs God’s followers to “seek justice” and “defend the oppressed.” As God’s representatives on earth, men should actively defend those exploited or in need of help. This includes unborn children, the poor, immigrants, the disabled and the elderly. A godly man models the compassionate and protective heart of God.
Avoid Drunkenness
While the Bible does not forbid alcohol, it often warns against drunkenness and addiction to wine. Proverbs 23:29-35 vividly depicts the folly of excessive drinking. Other passages like Ephesians 5:18 instruct believers not to “get drunk with wine” but to be filled with the Spirit. A godly man will exercise restraint and self-control if he chooses to drink alcohol, carefully avoiding intoxication.
Prayer and Bible Reading
Psalm 1 illustrates how a godly man finds joy and strength through regular prayer and Bible reading. By meditating on God’s Word day and night, he is like “a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season” (Psalm 1:1-3). Consistent spiritual nourishment equips a godly man to withstand temptation, love others, and find purpose in life. It is a priceless lifeline for growing intimately close to God.
Active Church Participation
The New Testament consistently emphasizes the importance of actively participating in a local church. Hebrews 10:24-25 commands believers not to neglect gathering together. A godly man seeks out a Bible-believing church where he can worship, fellowship, serve, give and grow in his faith among other believers. He does not live out his faith in isolation but thrives in the context of a church family.
Share the Gospel
Scripture reminds believers that they have been saved to share the good news of salvation with others. Mark 16:15 says to “go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” A godly man looks for opportunities to have spiritual conversations and share the gospel with those who need Jesus. He seeks to be a light and live on mission wherever God has placed him.
Love Neighbors
When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus replied to love God and love one’s neighbor (Mark 12:30-31). A godly man actively looks to serve and meet the needs of those around him. As Galatians 6:10 states, believers are to “do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Loving and serving others demonstrates the character of Christ.
Cultivate Godly Friendships
The company that men keep inevitably influences the path they walk. The Bible warns that “bad company ruins good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33). A godly man seeks out friendships with those who will strengthen his faith and spur him on toward righteousness. Iron sharpens iron as godly men encourage one another in the Lord (Proverbs 27:17).
Pursue Godly Manhood, Not Cultural Masculinity
While cultures define manhood in various ways, a godly man focuses on pursuing the virtues and character qualities highlighted in Scripture. He is guided internally by biblical values rather than external expectations. A godly man strives for integrity, humility and faithfulness regardless of how his culture might define masculinity. His identity rests in Christ alone.
Resist the Enemy
A godly man actively resists the devil and his schemes. James 4:7 instructs believers to “resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Practically this requires utilizing spiritual armor like truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, Scripture and prayer (Ephesians 6:10-18). A godly man vigilantly fights against sinful temptations, worldly influences and accusations from the enemy.
Exercise Self-Control
Developing self-control is a key aspect of godly manhood. Titus 2 notes that grace enables men to live self-controlled, upright lives while waiting for Jesus’ return. Proverbs 25:28 warns that a man without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. A godly man exhibits strength by resisting his fleshly desires and passions. He exercises control over his physical appetites.
Steward Finances Well
Scripture provides many practical principles for how a godly man stewards his finances. This includes avoiding debt (Romans 13:8), establishing a budget (Proverbs 24:3-4), giving generously (2 Corinthians 8:7), and storing up wealth appropriately without greed (1 Timothy 6:17-19). A godly man manages money wisely so that he can be a blessing to his family, church and others.
Love Mercy and Justice
The book of Micah summarizes what it means to walk humbly before God – to “act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). A godly man champions both justice and mercy. He upholds what is right while also offering forgiveness. Following God’s standard of justice paired with His divine mercy and compassion shapes how a godly man relates to others.
Model Servant Leadership
Despite the world’s focus on power and position, Jesus turned leadership upside down by emphasizing servanthood. He said “whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43). A godly man embraces the paradox that the path to great leadership runs through servanthood and sacrifice. He follows Jesus’ model and lays down his rights to serve others.
Cultivate Wisdom and Discernment
God desires men to grow continually in wisdom, discernment and understanding. Proverbs 4:5 instructs men to “Get wisdom! Get understanding!” Spiritual maturity involves applying God’s truth to daily choices and distinguishing right from wrong. A godly man prayerfully seeks wisdom from the Spirit to make decisions that align with God’s will.
Handle Suffering and Trials with Perseverance
Suffering and trials will inevitably come, but a godly man handles difficulty with perseverance and faith. James 1:2-4 notes that trials produce endurance and maturity in believers. Romans 5:3-5 also highlights how suffering can produce godly character. A godly man leans on Christ for strength during painful times without giving in to discouragement or bitterness.
Love and Obey God’s Commands
John 14:15 records Jesus telling his disciples that “if you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Wholehearted obedience demonstrates love for God. A godly man embraces God’s moral law and His standards for living. He studies and meditates on Scripture to understand how to apply God’s commands. Pleasing the Lord through obedience is his sincere desire.
In summary, godly manhood centers around pursuing an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ and seeking to honor Him in all areas of life. It involves adherence to biblical values and integrity no matter how society seeks to redefine gender roles and masculinity. While no man will perfectly live out these principles, Scripture gives clear guidance on God’s standards for men. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, godly manhood is possible for all believers.
No Comments
Стильные советы по подбору превосходных луков на каждый день.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.Заметки стилистов, события, все дропы и мероприятия.
https://vladtoday.ru/news/2024-09-10-10-prichin-za-chto-my-lyubim-demnu-gvasaliyu/