What Is a Godly Man?Sample

Lead Courageously

The second mark of a godly man is that he leads courageously. In 1 Corinthians 16:13, Paul says, "act like men," with the implication that men should be courageous. Paul is calling the Corinthian believers to mature, godly behavior, not childishness. He mentions their immature actions multiple times in the letter (1 Corinthians 3:1-3, 14:20), urging them to grow up. As a reminder, a godly man isn't a boy who can shave—he's a man of courage, ready to lead in the face of fear, hardship, or opposition.

This call to courage echoes throughout Scripture. In Joshua 1:9, God commands Joshua, "Be strong and courageous," assuring him of His presence. Joshua was stepping into a daunting role—leading the Israelites into the Promised Land after Moses' death. He faced enemies, uncertainty, and the weight of responsibility, but God's promise gave him the courage to lead. As men, we're called to the same kind of courage. Biblical leadership isn't about bravado or dominance; it's about trusting God and leading by example, even when it's hard.

If you're married, this means leading your wife in a way that's worth following. Ephesians 5:28-29 says, "Husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hates his own flesh but provides and cares for it, just as Christ does for the church." Leadership in marriage isn't about making all the decisions—it's about being an example of Christ's love. Are you providing and caring for your wife, not just materially but spiritually and emotionally? Are you leading her closer to Jesus through your actions?

If you're a father, courageous leadership means training your children in the way they should go. Ephesians 6:4 instructs, "Fathers, don't stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." You are not your kids' friend (at least while they are young)—you are their dad. That means setting boundaries, disciplining with love, and showing them what it looks like to follow God. In your own walk with the Lord, do your kids see you loving Jesus, or are you outsourcing their spiritual growth to someone else? Your example shapes their faith more than you might realize.

Courageous leadership extends beyond the home. At work, do you lead with integrity, working hard and doing the right thing, even when it's unpopular? In your church, are you stepping up to serve? Paul's letters, like Titus, call for men to be elders and leaders in the church (Titus 1:5-9).

We need men who love Jesus, worship Him unashamedly, and lead with their lives and character. Maybe God is calling you to lead a small group, mentor a younger man, or serve in a new way. Leading courageously doesn't require a certain personality—it's not about being loud or outgoing. You can lead with your words, your actions, or your quiet faithfulness.

The key to courageous leadership is trusting God's presence. Joshua 1:9 reminds us that God is with us wherever we go. You don't have to lead in your own strength—God equips you for the task. Think about King David, who led with both courage and humility. Psalm 78:72 says, "He shepherded them with a pure heart and guided them with his skillful hands."

David wasn't perfect, but he led with an upright heart, trusting God through battles and failures. Where is God asking you to lead courageously today? In your marriage, with your kids, at work, or in your church? Step out in faith, knowing God is with you.

Reflection Question: What is one specific way you can lead courageously this week—with your spouse, kids, coworker or friend, or church family?

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

Prayer Prompt: Lord, give me the courage to lead where You've placed me. Help me trust in Your presence and set an example that honors You. Amen.