10 Characteristics of a Godly Man
Back in March we outlined the 25 Characteristics of a Tirzah girl. This offered some greatly Godly advice on how to live for God as a woman. As Tirzah girls we have several examples of how to live a Godly life. We have the Proverbs 31 guidelines. Proverbs 7 outlines what NOT to be. However, it is harder to find an example of what a Godly man is. There is no one chapter in the Bible that specifically says what a man should be (Trust me, I searched, if you know one let me know). Tirzah ladies may not be men but many are seeking or have a relationship with a Godly man. What should those characteristics be? We know that the Bible and Jesus Himself exemplifies how all believers should live. However, there are certain guidelines God gives to men. The following is a list of 10 Characteristics of a Godly man:
He seeks God.
Does he have a personal relationship with God? Does his life exemplify Christ? Any man that you, as a Christian woman, considers dating needs to be seeking God with all his heart. In a previous article for Tirzah, we talk about being unequally yoked. Make sure any man you date/court/marry is seeking God first.
… Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness... -Matt. 6:33
He sacrifices.
How does he relate to those around him? Is he the one volunteering to help people or sitting passively in the stands? God calls every man (and woman) to sacrifice their time and their life to give to others. He calls us to give our talents, time, and money to those around us. Make sure any man you date/court/marry has a servant’s heart.
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. – John 15:13
He leads.
God gave men a unique role in a relationship. He calls them to be leaders. This does not mean a man makes every decision for you or always figures out your life. It means he has the ability to be a help-mate and help you make wise decisions. He has the ability to see what is best for those around him, step up to the plate, and act on it. While single, is a man finding ways to learn and grow in the area of leadership? Is he demonstrating that within his community? Make sure any man you date/court/marry shows leadership.
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 – Ephesians 5:23
He prays.
The most important thing any man or woman can do is pray. As Christians, we should constantly be seeking God and His Word. Any man you are interested in should clearly show that He is actively reading His Bible and praying. Does he offer to pray in groups? Offer to pray for others? Know Scripture? Have a Bible? Make sure any man you date/court/marry constantly seeks God’s presence.
Pray without ceasing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
His actions are louder than words.
People can say many things but their actions may say something differently. Don’t just listen to words. Is he acting out what he is saying? Does he attend church? Serve in the community? Pray? Read his Bible? Do others around him notice Christ in him? People can spot a real Christian from a fake one simply by observing them in their day-to-day life. Make sure any man you date/court/marry shows evidence of God in His life.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven. – Matthew 5:16
He seeks community.
We were created for companionship. God did not call us to live life by ourselves. He called us to fellowship. God called every man/woman to commune with other believers. He calls them to not only find Christian friends but have Christian mentors as well. Make sure any man you date/ court/marry is seeking community.
And let us consider how we may spur one another toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another… – Hebrews 10:24-25
He loves his family.
How does he treat the members of his family? Does he talk about his family? There is a lot to be learned by observing a man’s interactions with members of his family. Those are the people he should be closest to. Does he talk about how great they are or belittle them? Does he serve his family or ignore them? Make sure any man you date/court/marry has a healthy view of family.
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. – Exodus 20:12
He respects those around him.
How does he treat those around him? The Bible calls men (and women) to show respect to all people. God did not say some people should be treated one way and others a different way. God said all men were created equal and deserve to be respected – no matter what they have done. Does he show respect to everyone? Make sure any man you date/ court/marry shows respect to everyone.
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
He works.
This one may sound strange – but it is important. God did not call any of us to sit around and do nothing. He called us to be productive. God gave man the unique role of provider for a family. As a single man, he should be actively working. He should be growing in his life and saving for a family one day. Is the man you are considering a hard worker? Make sure any many you date/court/marry is a hard worker.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might… – Ecclesiastes 9:10a
He pursues.
Not too long ago, Tirzah did an article on why women should let men pursue. You can read it for yourself and see what you think. Personally, I think this can be applied to life in general. Not only should a man be pursuing you, he should be pursuing life. He is not sitting passively by and watching the world revolve. A Godly man is actively involved and participating in it. He knows that God created Him for a purpose. Every day is a pursuit of God, community, family, friends, work, and, maybe, one day you. Make sure the man you date/court/marry is a pursuer.
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.