10 Traits of a Godly Man

A lot is said of what it means to be a man in our times. In addition, it seems to me with each passing year there is a growing despise for men or manly qualities. There also seems to be a decline of men with manly qualities. However, the Scriptures couldn’t be more emphatic in its call and demand of men. Be on alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:13-14). This past week I asked a group of men in our church to give a portrait of a godly man. Here are their ten traits with their one-sentence descriptions.

Relational: A godly man relates with others by accepting, forgiving, encouraging and admonishing them (Rom. 15:7)

Bold: A godly man takes a stand for his beliefs and is not ashamed of them (Prov. 28.1)

Responsible: A godly man takes responsibility for his actions without explanations or justification (Exodus 32:15-35)

Courageous: A godly man is willing to risk injury or insult to protect the vulnerable and to stand for the truth (Ps. 82:3)

Leads: A godly man leads the way and leads by example. If it means saying sorry when necessary he must do so. He leads his family spiritually. (Eph. 5:23-25)

Selfless: A godly man puts the interest of others first by serving them sacrificially. (Phil 2: 5-10)

Self-controlled: A godly man has the Spirit’s fruit of discipline over his appetites and temperament (Gal. 5:22-24)

Prayerful: A godly man prays confessing sin, confessing faith in God and dependence upon Him, sorrowing over sin and making resolution against it. (1 Tim 2:8)

Provides and Protects: A godly man labours to provide for the needs of those under his care and is alert to protect them spiritually, physically and emotionally. (1 Tim. 5:8; Prov. 4:10-15)

Fears God: A godly man fears God. This make s all other traits possible. (Prov. 1:7)

Biblical manhood is a high and hard calling. At its heart are the expectations to lovingly lead, selflessly provide and courageously protect those who are our relations and under our care. This is only possible by the grace that God provides, and Christ is our example. Dear Christian men, act like men, be strong!