What Is a Godly Man?ਨਮੂਨਾ

What is a Godly man?

You may have heard the phrase "act like you've been there before" or been told to live up to certain expectations—whether it's the family name, the organization we work for, or the standards we set for our kids. Growing up, many of us heard our parents say, "Act right!" as we headed out the door, whether to a friend's house or a school event.

We want them to behave in a way that reflects well on our family because how we act demonstrates who we are and what we believe. But if someone told you to act like a man, do you know what that means?

See, here's the problem: if you don't have a clear target, you have nothing to aim for. If you don't know what you’re aiming for, you have no idea if you're hitting the mark. You're just guessing, hoping you're doing it right, but you really don't know.

That's why Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 might need some context. Writing to a church in a chaotic, pagan city, Paul gives men a clear target for godly manhood: "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love."

(Note that some translations translate "act like men" as "be a man of courage" or simply "be courageous". While there are understandable reasons for interpreting those words that way, "act like men" is the most literal way to translate it.)

These aren't just nice platitudes—they're a battle cry, the kind of instructions a general might give his troops before heading into battle. Paul knew the Corinthian believers were struggling with childish behavior, as he mentions earlier in the letter (1 Corinthians 3:1-3, 14:20). So when Paul tells the men to act like men, he is not saying to act like a man instead of a woman. He is saying act like a man, not a boy.

Apparently, there were some men who were acting like boys who could shave rather than acting like men of God. So he calls them to exhibit mature, godly behavior, rooted in courage, strength, and love.

Let's break this down. First, "be watchful." In the New Testament, this is a repeated theme—Jesus Himself often said, "Be ready" (Matthew 24:44). There's an eschatological context here: the return of Christ is coming, and we need to be watchful. But in the context of 1 Corinthians, it likely is in reference to being alert to the enemy. Peter warns us that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). As men, we can't afford to be lazy or distracted. We need to be intentional, ready for the spiritual battles we face daily. You won't drift into faithfulness. It only happens intentionally.

Second, "stand firm in the faith." This means holding fast to the confession of our faith, living in the way of Jesus with grace and truth. It's about not wavering, even when the culture around us pushes against biblical values. Third, "act like men." Again, Paul is saying, "Don't be childish. Be mature. Be courageous."

This echoes the Old Testament call to strength and courage, like in Joshua 1:9, where God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous because He is with him. Finally, "be strong" and "let everything you do be done in love." Strength without love is just bravado, but when paired with love, it reflects the heart of Christ.

Being a godly man isn't something we stumble into by accident. Becoming a strong Christian man means we must train in order to become one. Paul tells Timothy, "Train yourself in godliness" (1 Timothy 4:7). Just as you wouldn't expect to run a marathon without preparation, you can't expect to live as a godly man without intentional effort. Scripture is our guide. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, "All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness". We need to immerse ourselves in God's Word to know what target we're aiming for.

So what does this target look like? Over the next four days, we'll unpack a clear definition of biblical manhood to give you a target to aim for. Here is our target: A man of God loves sacrificially, leads courageously, lives with integrity, and follows Jesus humbly.

This isn't about cultural stereotypes of manliness—whether you wear a suit or jeans, enjoy sports or musicals, eat steak or sushi. Biblical manhood is about who you are as a person, rooted in principles that don't shift with time or place. As Proverbs 10:17 says, "The one who follows instruction is on the path to life, but the one who rejects correction goes astray". Let's aim for a godly target of manhood together.

Reflection Question: Which of these traits—being alert, standing firm, being courageous, being strong, or loving—challenges you most right now, and why?

Remember: A man of God loves sacrificially, leads courageously, lives with integrity, and follows Jesus humbly.

Prayer Prompt: Lord, thank you for giving me a clear target in your word. Show me where I need to grow as a man of God, and give me the strength to aim for your calling. Help me be a man of God who loves sacrificially, leads courageously, lives with integrity, and follows Jesus humbly. Amen.