What Is a Godly Man?ਨਮੂਨਾ

Follow Jesus Humbly

The final mark of a godly man is that he follows Jesus humbly. Micah 6:8 lays out God's requirement for us: "to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God." Humility isn't weakness—it's the foundation of biblical manhood.

Jesus Himself modeled this perfectly. Philippians 2:5-8 says, "Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead, he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross." Jesus, the King of kings, humbled Himself for us. As men, we're called to follow His example.

Following Jesus humbly means making Him your King. Luke 9:23 says, "If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me." Denying yourself isn't easy—it means putting Jesus' way above your own desires every single day. It's a choice to submit to His lordship in every area of your life. James 4:6 reminds us, "God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble." Pride keeps us from following Jesus fully, but humility opens the door to His grace and strength.

Let's apply this to your life. If you're married, does your wife see you pursuing Jesus with devotion? It's humbling to admit, but sometimes our wives outshine us in their pursuit of the Lord. If she's more committed to prayer, Scripture, or church than you are, what example are you setting?

You're called to lead her spiritually, and that starts with your own walk with Christ. If you're a father, do you want your kids to follow Jesus the way you do? Many parents come back to church when they have kids because they want their kids to learn about God and have morals.

But if you're not following Jesus yourself, that influence won't last. Your kids need to see a dad who loves Jesus, not just one who goes through the motions.

At work, does the way of Jesus shape your attitude? It's humbling to admit when you're wrong, to serve others instead of seeking recognition, or to work with integrity when others cut corners. But that's what following Jesus looks like—it's choosing His way over the world's.

In your church, do you prioritize the community God has placed you in? It takes humility to show up consistently, to serve without expecting applause, to sing to Jesus even if you're not a "singer." A godly man doesn't let pride keep him from worship or service—he follows Jesus with a humble heart.

Following Jesus humbly ties all the traits of godly manhood together. You can't love sacrificially, lead courageously, or live with integrity without humility. It's the posture that allows you to aim for the target of biblical manhood: loving sacrificially, leading courageously, living with integrity, and following Jesus humbly. This isn't a one-time decision—it's a daily choice to deny yourself and follow Him.

As you've seen over the past few days, becoming a godly man takes training. 1 Timothy 4:7 says, "Train yourself in godliness", and 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us that Scripture is our guide, "profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness."

Today, ask yourself: Is Jesus truly my King? Where do I need to deny myself to follow Him more fully? Maybe it's in your marriage, with your kids, at work, or in your church. Take one specific action this week to follow Jesus humbly—whether it's starting your day in prayer, serving at church, or apologizing where you've fallen short. When you follow Jesus humbly, you reflect His love to everyone around you, and you become the man God created you to be.

Reflection Question: What's one specific action you can take this week to follow Jesus more humbly in your life?

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

Prayer Prompt: Jesus, I want to follow You humbly. Show me where I need to deny myself, and help me live as a man who reflects Your love and humility. Amen.

Going deeper

To hear more great insights from Dylan Dodson, sign up for his Best Minute Newsletter. Build better habits, become more productive, and maximize your life. All in 60 seconds per week. Click here to get the Best Minute.