The Bible gives instructions on how we should behave as Christians. The idea that God desires for men to be godly, is not a far-fetched reality.
In its simplest form, being a godly man is simple in theory but challenging in practice. However, it is something that all men should strive to work towards every day.
God created man in his own image. If we are created in his image then, we should also share in his likeness of character. Being a godly man is as simple as being a man after God’s own heart reflecting the goodness of his character through our lives.
What Is the Significance of Being a Godly Man?
Being a godly man is not a science. We tend to overcomplicate the standards we are to meet in order to be considered “godly.”
Being godly does not equate to being “perfect.” As we see in the Bible, there was not a single perfect person (aside from Jesus) who was perfect then, and not a single person who is perfect now. Take Romans 3:10 for example: “None is righteous, no, not one;” (Romans 3:10).
What we do see in the Bible, are many people who followed Christ and continued to lead by His example. From the apostles to the early church, we see an example of godliness in them when they were transformed by the renewing of their minds to the likeness of Jesus Christ.
Being godly is simply living a life that is consistent with the integrity of the Word of God. To be a godly man is to live according to what the Bible constitutes.
Godliness Is Striving to Imitate Christ
As we clarified, being godly is not equal to living a perfect life but, it is striving to live as Christ-like as humanly possible.
We all make mistakes, but we must get up, repent, and continue to grow spiritually. This is an example of godly living.
The more we read the Bible, the clearer it becomes that we must imitate Christ in our lifestyle. This does not mean that we need to strive to prove ourselves with works instead, our good relationship with God will cause our character to conform to the character of Jesus.
Through this good relationship, we will instead produce good works as a result of knowing and loving Jesus instead of performing.
Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did (1 John 2:6).
Being a godly man all begins with having the mind of Christ. But, in order for us to achieve that, we have to let God renew our carnal minds.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2).
In this verse, Paul gives us two keys that will allow us to live godly lives. First, he tells us that we must not be conformed to the pattern of this world.
This means that, as Christians, we need to actively work towards disconnecting more and more from the ways of this world and building a solid relationship with God.
Second, he lets us in on a secret. If we turn from the world and take on the mind of Christ, we will be able to discern God's will for us.
This is not to say that we will know all of God’s secrets, no. Instead, what God desires for our character will become more obvious. We would have a stronger conviction that will lead us away from things that displease God and gravitate more towards what does please Him.
Godliness Is Supported by Integrity
It goes without question that Jesus lived the most integral lifestyle ever possible. He always spoke with truth, lived humbly, and served others.
This is the same behavior that is to be displayed in our own lives. As 1 John 2:6 stated, we need to live as Jesus lived. Being a godly man means being a man of integrity.
By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? (Matthew 7:16).
Our fruit will always be open for the world to see. Ask yourself, what fruit is on your tree? The fruit that we are to display is the fruit of the Spirit. God calls us to live integral lives that will glorify him and point others to him.
Qualities of a Godly Man
When we serve Christ, there are undeniable qualities that begin to arise in us. Some of these qualities are love, loyalty, humility, and servanthood to name a few.
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25).
Loyalty makes a person attractive. It is better to be poor than dishonest (Proverbs 19:22).
The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life (Proverbs 22:4).
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace (1 Peter 4:10).
All of these qualities are important for a godly man to carry. As godly men, we are called to lead our homes with love, love our wives and children, be loyal to those around us, and serve with humility.
We see all of these qualities and more demonstrated in Christ. He is the perfect example of what a godly man should be. He is the one we are to model our lives after.
God’s Perfect Order for Men to Follow
Up until this point, we covered the lifestyle and qualities men are called to live but one thing we need to touch on is the order that God called us to live by.
The Bible teaches us that there is a spiritual order to everything and it’s important that men submit to this order so that everything God intends for us can work as designed.
The main priority that men have is to first be a servant to God. Second, they are to be the spiritual leader of their homes. The home is the first ministry. The godly husband is to first love God, his wife, and his children and be their leader.
From here, he is to be a servant to the body of Christ. For the man blessed in singleness, his priority is to God, then the body of Christ.
If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church? (1 Timothy 3:5).
Why Does This Matter?
As mentioned previously, living godly is not difficult to understand but it is challenging to practice. God will give you the power to live how Christ desires if you open your heart to him.
If you ask the Holy Spirit, he will give you transforming power that will change the course of your life. Just be open to him and let him do the work in you. You will begin to see the change as you grow closer to him.
For further reading:
What Should Christians Know about Toxic Masculinity?
What Does it Mean to Be a Godly Woman?
What Does Godly Leadership Actually Look Like?
What Does Spiritual Leadership Look Like in a Biblical Marriage?
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