In today’s world, the concept of manhood has become clouded and often misunderstood. Men are bombarded with conflicting messages about what it means to be a man. However, as followers of Christ, we can find guidance and clarity in the Scriptures. The Bible provides us with a clear roadmap for masculinity, urging us to be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, and be strong (1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV). In this blog post, we will explore the qualities and characteristics of a godly man and how we can develop ourselves to disciple others.
1. Prophet: Humility and Teachability
As men of God, we are called to be prophets who teach truth and interpret God’s word. However, this role requires humility and teachability. We must humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, allowing Him to exalt us in due time (1 Peter 5:6 ESV). Godly men don’t merely react; they respond in love, thinking and reasoning with a heart of love. This means cultivating a humble and teachable spirit as we seek to understand and communicate God’s truth.
2. Priest: Integrity and Character
In addition to being prophets, we are called to be priests, set apart to mediate in religious services and embody holiness. Our integrity and character are of utmost importance in fulfilling this role. The righteous lead blameless lives, and their children are blessed because of it (Proverbs 20:7). We are called to walk blamelessly, speak the truth from our hearts, and exemplify meekness—a strength under control. Jesus, the ultimate example of true manhood, demonstrated humility, love, compassion, kindness, and forgiveness. We can learn much about manliness from the One who laid down His life for those He loved.
3. Servant: Sacrificial Love
The role of a servant requires sacrificial love, following the example of Jesus who laid down His life for us (1 John 3:16). Just as Jesus came to serve rather than be served (Mark 10:45), we are called to serve and love sacrificially. It is in moments when we do what we don’t want to do that we truly exemplify the heart of a suffering servant. We must remember that our response to pain and hardship can be a powerful testimony to the world, as God often uses our trials to rouse a deaf world to His truth.
4. King: Leadership and Responsibility
As kings, we have a responsibility to establish culture, make difficult decisions, and lead with wisdom. We are called to be culture creators, impacting our families, communities, and workplaces for the better. To effectively lead, we can follow the LEAD acronym: Listen (be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger – James 1:19), Encourage (build each other up – 1 Thessalonians 5:11), Apologize (confess our sins and pray for each other – James 5:16), and Die (deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus – Luke 9:23).
5. Provider: Legacy and Influence
A godly man understands the importance of providing for his family, not just financially but also relationally. By starting our children off on the right path (Proverbs 22:6) and living a life of righteousness, we can leave a lasting legacy. Consistency in our actions and personal development will not only lead to victory in our own lives but also shape the lives of future generations.
6. Protector: Nurturing and Nourishing
The role of a protector extends beyond physical safety. We are called to guard our hearts above all else because it determines the course of our lives (Proverbs 4:23 NLT). As protectors, we must be diligent in nurturing and nourishing our own hearts and the hearts of those entrusted to our care. This involves creating a safe and loving environment where emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being are fostered.
Becoming a godly man is a lifelong journey of growth, character development, and service. By embracing the responsibilities of a prophet, priest, servant, king, provider, and protector, we can fulfill our calling to be men of integrity, love, wisdom, and influence. Let us remember the words of Uncle Ben from Spider-Man: “With great power comes great responsibility.” As men of faith, we have been entrusted with power and influence, and it is our responsibility to use them for the glory of God and the betterment of those around us.