If you want to learn how to be a godly man, you're going to want to read this quick article.
One of the blessings of this life is being able to grow up with parents – especially Godly parents, who can raise you up in the fear and honor of God.
I had two loving parents, but they passed away when I was young. If you asked any of my family members, they would tell you I was spoiled rotten!
After they passed away, my other relatives raised me around many girls, and one of the things I lacked was seeing a Godly man.
During my teenage years in church, I was surrounded by Godly women who loved God and served in the church.
Now that I am an adult, I see most of the church today still seems to be made up of godly women. They are the pillars of the church.
They have regular prayer meetings, lead worship, and help raise funds for the church.
Of course, God can use both men and women. But it is truly a unique advantage in a young child’s life to see the example of a Godly father.
Lots of kids are being raised by single mothers, and I wish this was not so.
You may be a father, but you’re not sure how to be a Godly one to lead your children in the things of God.
You may feel inadequate because you did not have an example set before you, but I want to encourage you today that you can be the first to set a new standard of Godliness in your home and in your child’s life.
If that’s you, then continue to read.
I will share four traits that, if adopted, can be life-changing for men and help them become the man God wants them to be.
1. Humility
Luke 18:13
But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’
Men do not want to talk about humility because we have been taught to have a lot of pride and never admit our wrongs or shortcomings.
Men sometimes hate to admit they need help. But when it comes to God’s way, we must learn to take the road of humility.
The story in Luke 18 of the tax collector and the Pharisee is a great example.
The Pharisee came to God and was very prideful. He felt that he had never made any mistakes and was glad he was not like the tax collector.
But the tax collector had a humble heart and realized his need for Christ. If you read on, you will see that he went home blessed.
Humility doesn’t make you less of a man. It makes you a godly man!
You can be a strong, hard worker and still have a heart that sees the need to change to improve your marriage or grow in parenting.
The only way we can see our need for change is through humility:
Proverbs 18:12
Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility.
If you want honor, you must learn to be humble because a prideful mindset will destroy you.
2. Leadership
Ephesians 5:23
For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.
To be the “head” of something is to be the leader, just like Christ is the head of the church.
A godly man will lead the family and children in the things of God. Godly men lead their homes in prayer, church attendance, integrity, and honesty.
They lead not only by telling them but also by example.
This is not about control and having everyone else submit to you. It’s about setting an example with great responsibility because you realize others are looking to and following you.
Most people will do what you do, not what you say. In Jesus's life, he went around doing good and setting an example for his disciples to follow.
Yes, he spoke and preached, but his actions also taught them what it meant to be a follower.
3. Love
Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,
A Godly man will have love. Love is also expressed not only through words but through action.
Don’t ever assume that someone knows you love them. Make it a priority to show them on purpose the love you have for them.
As men, we may think that loving is weak, but the truth is that loving is to reflect Christ and his love for the church.
The love that Christ had for his people motivated him to heal the sick, raise the dead, and have compassion for those whom he encountered.
The same reality is true for us: We should walk in the love of God towards others.
4. Provider
1 Timothy 5:8
But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
In our economy today, it usually takes both parents to work to provide for their families. I don’t think there is anything wrong with that.
Yet, I want to encourage Godly men to understand their calling to not only lead their families but also to provide the resources and things they need.
When the home or family feels a financial strain, a Godly man will bear the load. He does not want to see the weight carried on his family's shoulders.
Paul lets us know in the scripture above that someone who does not care for his family has denied the faith.
Therefore, our most significant expression of faith is providing for those God has entrusted us with.
This is the trait that reminds me of my father. He was not perfect, but he was a hard worker, even working two jobs just to provide for our needs.
I don’t remember him staying home, unwilling to work or provide.
This applies not only to the financial side of things but also to the emotional side.
As a Godly man, sometimes you are the one who needs to provide love, forgiveness, and mercy when the family is lacking these.
Conclusion
When you set these examples to those you love, they will genuinely see Christ dwelling in you.
I know I could have added more to this list, but I pray that you will ask the Lord to show you what areas in your life he wants you to grow in and have you improve.
I believe God is looking for mighty men to take their place in his kingdom and to stand for his truth, no matter how many others may compromise.
As you read this, I pray that you will see how important you are as a man to the body of Christ, your family, and those you love. It’s time to take your place!
