13 Characteristics of a Godly Man

There are numerous books, studies, and conferences about how to become a godly man. It is a worthy and worthwhile pursuit, and the Bible is filled with commandments, guidance, and inspiration on how each of us can become true men of God. Here are 12 verses that highlight some of the key characteristics of such men.

#1 A Man of God Pursues the Things of God

1 Timothy 6:11 says, “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.”

This verse is part of a larger section of a letter the apostle Paul wrote to his young protégé, Timothy. Timothy wanted to become an effective evangelist and teacher, and so he was eager to hear Paul’s guidance on growing in his faith and witness. Paul taught that he should flee sinful actions and lifestyles, and instead focus on the things that mirrored God’s character. By doing so, he would fill his own heart with the things of God.

#2 A Man of God Confesses His Sins

1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

No one is without sin; we are all fallen human beings. And even though God has saved us forever through the sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we should still be quick to recognize our shortcomings and ask for His forgiveness when we do sin. If we do this, He will extend His forgiveness over our hearts, remove our guilt and shame, and be free to continue His work in making us more like Him.

#3 A Man of God Is Faithful No Matter His Stage in Life

1 Timothy 4:12 says, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

There is no age limit to becoming a man of God; you can begin right now! If you are faithful to read His Word, to pray for His will, and to live according to the example of Jesus, you can be a man of God in your present circumstances – becoming “old and wise” begins today. What you say and do, how you interact with others, and what you do when no one is looking will all build your life into the man God wants you to be.

#4 A Man of God Looks to Heaven

1 John 3:2 says, “Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when He appears we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is.”

We can draw strength from what God has created us to be in the here and now, but we should constantly be looking to our glorious future in heaven. By faith, we can be assured that God will remake our bodies and transform our spirits into the eternal beings we are destined to become, and we can look to that wonderful day when we can see Jesus face to face in His eternal kingdom.

#5 A Man of God Has Puts His Old Self to Death

Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ Who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

By accepting Jesus’ salvation and entering the waters of baptism, we identify with Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross as a sign that our old, sinful self has also been put to death. We can be raised to walk in newness of life with a renewed purpose, a strengthened spirit, and an eternal hope that can never be taken from us.

#6 A Man of God Behaves Himself Properly

Romans 13:13 says, “Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.”

The character traits and lifestyle choices listed here are not compatible with the nature of God. We should avoid any appearance of immorality, and certainly avoid any flagrant and deliberate actions that conform to our old sinful ways. This is particularly true of any habits we personally indulged in or sins that we struggled with prior to coming to Christ; we should aggressively avoid these things and instead choose to pursue holiness and righteousness.

#7 A Man of God Is True to His Word

James 3:2 says, “For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.”

Honoring what we say and being faithful to have our lives match our speech is a sign that we are following the Lord. We will never be completely perfect, but if we control our bodies and our tongues by yielding to God’s will, we are walking down a righteous path.

#8 A Man of God Has Put His Old Life Behind Him

Galatians 5:24 says, “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

Crucifixion is a violent, absolute form of death; it leaves no question that the victim is gone. This is how we should treat our life of sin before coming to Christ: put to death and renewed into the new life we live with Jesus Christ.

#9 A Man of God Holds Fast When Asked About His Faith

Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He Who promised is faithful.”

When things get tough, or when we are confronted by others, it can be tempting to leave God out or say that we succeeded (or survived) on our own strength. But a godly man will always give the glory back to God, remaining faithful to His Father Who has always remained faithful to him.

#10 A Man of God Is Filled with the Holy Spirit

Acts 13:52 says, “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”

The believer has the full power of God residing in his heart at all times – what greater cause for joy could we have? Let us always remember His presence in our lives, and draw true joy from it each day.

#11 A Man of God Relies on God No Matter Where He Is

2 Corinthians 5:9 says, “So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him.”

God is not just the God of Sunday mornings; He should be at the forefront of our lives every minute of every day.

#12 A Man of God Is Humble and Selfless

Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

This is the meaning and application of Jesus’ command that we should love our neighbor as ourselves. We should serve them as though they were more important than us, giving selflessly of ourselves so that they might benefit ahead of us. This humility puts God’s heart first, and God will reward our actions because of it.

#13 A Man of God Serves God by Serving Others

Matthew 25:40 says, “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you did it to Me.’”

When we see Jesus reflected in those around us, we see them with God’s eyes. This is how we know that God fully resides in our hearts, and this should be our motivation for serving others – not because it makes us feel good, but because we seek to further Jesus’ kingdom on earth.