What is a Godly Man?

Manhood! You would think this word would be easy to define! But the word manhood sparks much debate in our society as you hear the term “toxic masculinity”  being thrown around. You may also hear about how society has tried and succeeded in the emasculation on manhood. This time in history that we are living in shows us that what we know as “the family” is unraveling before our eyes and it affects everything! Divorce is on the rise! Infidelity is on the rise! Families are breaking up! You may be asking what does that have to do with manhood?

Well, when we raise boys up, we either lead them up in a godly home and show them what a man is, and they turn into a godly man, or we raise these boys up to live like the world, to talk like the world, and to do the things of the world. If we do this, they will always be boys who grow up to lie, steal, and cheat on their wives when they get tired of her. They don’t serve God, but they serve themselves!

So in order to reclaim biblical manhood back in our culture, we have to show and teach what true biblical manhood is! So what is “biblical manhood”? What does a godly man look like?

Godly = having an inward devotion for God that is outwardly displayed. 

So I want to show you five things a man must do in order to be a “godly man!” 

1.) Surrender to Jesus – In order to be a godly man, you must first receive and believe in the work of Jesus on the cross, knowing that there was a huge price paid for your past, present, and future sins, and having faith that Jesus rose from the dead. A godly man knows Jesus is Lord over all of his life (Romans 10:9-10). A godly man then lives a life of obedience to God!

2.) Serve Jesus – A godly man is a servant rather than wanting to be served (Mark 10:45)! A godly man has the same desire to serve as Jesus does as he willingly puts others ahead of himself. He helps those people in need, big or small, and is always seeking first the kingdom of God; seeking His glory and His righteousness and ways to serve and better God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:33).

3.) Stay Humble –  As a godly man, he must remain humble! We must always be on the lookout and wage war and against pride (Proverbs 27:2)! Godly men know that the Bible tells us “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble,” – 1 Peter 5:5.

4.) Step Up – A godly man has to step up! A godly man has to lead (2 Samuel 10:7,12)! Godly men are different than men of the world. Godly men admit when they sin! They take responsibility for their actions! They don’t let the world lead their families, godly men actively lead their families (1 Timothy 4:12)! Godly men take their families to church! Godly men work hard! Godly men provide for their families both physically and spiritually! Godly men raise their kids up in the Word! Godly men actively live their lives according to the word of God, and model that to their wife and children! Godly men are available to their families!

5.) Stand Strong– A godly man must stand strong in the Lord! A godly man can’t give in to the world when it comes calling. We can’t give in when the world attacks us. When we are challenged by society, we must stand firm in our faith. When the world criticizes us on how we are being men of God, we must not give in, but trust in the God who saved us from that world (Jeremiah 1:18-19, 1 Corinthians 15:58).  

A godly man knows he isn’t perfect, he knows he falls short, knows he will never be perfect until he goes home to be with Jesus! But, a godly man embraces being a man, a godly man, not of his own doing, not of his own standards, but by the standards set forth by the Bible and our Lord Jesus Christ who saved us! A real man follows and models his life after Jesus! It doesn’t matter if you are a physical specimen or out of shape, rich or poor, well educated or not educated, any man can be a “godly man” if he loves God with all his heart and seeks to obey Him in everything he does (Galatians 2:20, Luke 10:27)!