When I say that the average Christian man today lacks many of the essential characteristics of a Godly man, I believe you will agree with me.
And you’re not alone; many have come to that conclusion as well. But the good news is that you can help change that fact in your church, family, and community.
So today, we’ll look at a few powerful biblical virtues that will not only change your life for the better but also have a ripple effect on those around you.
So, without further ado, let’s get started. For thousands of years, men have studied rigorously various male characteristics to determine the most significant ones. And there are as follow:
5 Powerful Characteristics of a Godly Men
1. Discipline
1 Corinthians 9:25“27 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Resources to develop spiritual discipline:
- Disciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes
- Christian Disciplines by Oswald Chambers
- The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives by Dallas Willard
2. Discernment
1 Corinthians 14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
According to Webster’s Dictionary 1828, “discernment” is a noun. The act of discerning; also, the mental power or faculty that distinguishes one thing from another, such as truth from falsehood, virtue from vice; sharpness of judgment; the ability to perceive differences in things or ideas, as well as their relationships and tendencies.
For this reason, youthful mistakes are frequently the result of a lack of discernment. This is, without a doubt, a tremendously powerful virtue for biblical men! It is the outward expression of true wisdom applied to real-life situations.
Let’s take a look at what Soloman said about wisdom:
Proverbs 1:1“6 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: 2 for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; 3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair 4 for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young” 5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance” 6 for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.”
Proverbs 4:7“9 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. 8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honor when thou dost embrace her. 9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.
Proverbs 2:10“11 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; 11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee
Proverbs 2:2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding
Proverbs 3:13“14 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
Resources to develop spiritual discernment:
- A Word to the Wise: Practical Advice from the Book of Proverbs by Dr. Paul Chappell
- God’s Wisdom for Navigating Life: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Book of Proverbs by Timothy Keller
- Wisdom for Today Daily Devotional by Chuck Smith
3. Direction
Philippians 3:13“14 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Today, far too many men are burdened by the guilt and ramifications of past sin and failure.
It not only drags us down, but it also prevents us from fulfilling our God-given potential in Christ.
Biblical men learn to focus on the future rather than the past, which they cannot change, and to live their lives fully committed to Christ from this point forward.
4. Dedication
2 Timothy 2:3“5 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
Today, there are plenty of Christian men who lack commitment and dedication. They’re easy to come by.
Men who are hit-or-miss and have no concept of the spiritual gravity with which we must live.
Paul compares himself to a good soldier who is committed to his mission. We are to be in the world but not of the world as biblical men.
It’s similar to being on a boat in the water. A boat is designed to be used on the water. It’s supposed to be in the water. The water, on the other hand, has no place in the boat. In everything we do, we must be dedicated to the Lord.
The importance of commitment to our roles as godly men cannot be overstated! We don’t need to look any further than the disciples as an example.
Romans 12:1“2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God..
5. Determination
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith
For a long time, the power of determination has been studied.
It is truly amazing what can be accomplished when a man sets his mind to something. God endowed us with the incredible ability to pursue our passions.
Biblical men employ the power of determination to become the men God intended them to be. They make the decision to “BE” rather than “DO”. While what you “DO” as a Christian man is important, what you ARE is infinitely more important!
You are a blood-bought child of God, created in His image, to live for Him if you have been redeemed in Christ!
Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
Romans 12:10“1Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Colossians 3:23“25 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
A Quick Recap of 5 Powerful Characteristics of a Godly Man
- Discipline
- Discernment
- Direction
- Dedication
- Determination
You can unleash the power of God’s promises into your life if you make the decision right now to study these 5 characteristics of a Godly man, learn everything you can about them, and put them into practice.
Helpful Resources To Get You Started:
- The autobiography of Benjamin Franklin.
- The Art of Virtue book about Benjamin Franklin’s 13 virtues.
- Disciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes
- Christian Disciplines by Oswald Chambers
- The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives by Dallas Willard
- A Word to the Wise: Practical Advice from the Book of Proverbs by Dr. Paul Chappell
- God’s Wisdom for Navigating Life: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Book of Proverbs by Timothy Keller
- Wisdom for Today Daily Devotional by Chuck Smith