Society tends to encourage or even dictate characteristics of what a man ‘should’ and ‘should not’ be. However, these characteristics do not necessarily seem like those of a ‘God fearing’ man.
Society will tell us: a man must be both physically and emotionally with a rough and rugged exterior; or a ‘God-fearing’ man does not have tattoos, long hair or piercings; or it is profane or pagan to wear T-shirts and jeans for Sunday service. Those requirements caught your attention, right?
Unfortunately, some discern godliness and holiness strictly from outward appearances. ‘Desirable’ characteristics vary from generation to generation, as well as from place to place or country to country.
Why is it so important to be ‘God fearing’? Because in Psalm 112, it is promised that a God-fearing man will be a blessed man. Fortunately, the Bible gives us 10 clear ways to be a God-fearing man:
1. Live honestly.
A God-fearing man displays honor for himself, for his family, and most importantly, for God.
In Matthew 13:57-58, Jesus said: “There is no prophet without honor, except in his own land, and in his own house.” The verse continues: and he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith. Because they did not honor Jesus, he decided not to ‘perform many miracles’. This story may suggest that when a man lacks honor, he may be limiting his own ability to access miraculous blessings.
A man must not only live a life worthy of honor, but he also has a responsibility to display honor.
In 1 Peter 3:7, husbands are to honor “woman as a weaker vessel, and as co-heirs of the grace of life”. ; may your prayers not be hindered.” Just as Jesus could not perform miracles because he was dishonest, a man cannot pray effectively without reflecting honor on his family.
2. Be financially responsible.
In 1 Timothy 5:8, Paul proclaimed: “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for his own, house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.” Some men make a conscious effort not to keep track of household income, expenses, or financial status in bank accounts. Proverbs 27:23 warns: “Seek diligently to know the condition of your flocks, and take good care of your herds.”
A God-fearing man pays attention to his financial affairs to keep himself and his family safe. John Gill in his bible exposition clarifies that man has a natural obligation to care for his family, but grace elevates and magnifies this obligation to another level.
3. Attract others to a God-fearing life as a role model.
God-fearing men attract others to be God-fearing men. From Proverbs 27:17, we learn “Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the face of his friend.” A godly man wants godly friends. Spiritual conversations with such friends sharpen the mind and deepen the faith of both parties.
In 2 Corinthians 6:14, Paul warns: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers; justice with injustice? And what communion has light with darkness?” A God-fearing man will associate with those who can encourage him to be a merciful and effective witness for Christ.
4. Lead.
God-fearing men lead in their homes and churches just as Christ led his followers. The effective God-fearing man leads with justice, humility, love, and gentleness.
On the contrary, society teaches that a man cannot be a leader without being strong-willed and dominant.
Therefore, it is quite easy to distinguish a man who is driven by a godly spirit.
5. Strive for holiness and goodness.
In 1 Timothy 4:8, we are warned: “For bodily exercise is profitable for little, but piety profits for everything, having promise of this present life, and of the life to come.” Not only is it spiritually desirable and profitable to develop godliness, the characteristics of holiness and godliness are worthwhile for success in business, career endeavors, and a healthy family life.
6. Take care of others.
Jentezen Franklin in his sermon “Wake Up The Mighty Men” joked “if you see a man open a car door for a woman, it’s either a new car or a new woman.” Many disguise selfishness or material preservation with their outward acts of kindness.
In Galatians 6:2, Paul taught us to: “Carry each other’s burdens.” This response to others’ burdens of problem or affliction is more than just saying “oh no” or “I hate to hear that.” A God-fearing man actually carries the burden or problem as if it were his own.
7. Behave maturely.
Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:11, describes the progression of a God-fearing Man as “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I thought as a child, I thought as a child; but when I was already a man, I left the things of a child.” A God-fearing man has grown and is desirous of higher levels of spirituality and growth.
8. Stay alert.
In 1 Corinthians 16:13, God – Fearful men are directed to “Watch yourselves, stand firm in the faith, abandon yourselves like men, be strong.” God-fearing men are not fathers, husbands, or church members.
They know what video games their children play, the names of their children’s friends, and what happened during the fifth. period geometry class. The God-fearing husband is also attentive to his wife’s worries, concerns, and needs. He remains committed and conscious in his God-given role.
9. Stand firm in the faith.
The Word of God is the foundation of the God-fearing man in this ever-changing culture.
In James 1:8, we are reminded that a “a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” Don’t let their theology gravitate toward your behavior. During times of seeming failure or discontent, or when you experience a spiritual sense of separation, strong faith can call you back to purity and a walk with God.
10. Show love.
James 1:20 says: “The wrath of man does not work the justice of God.”
A God-fearing man is not contentious and is always looking for a fight to show his dominance. In 1 Corinthians 16:14, we are instructed to, “Let all your things be done in charity.”
The God-fearing man is dedicated to the good of his family. and the welfare of the church from him. He does not fight for the vainglories achieved by earthly promotion.
By acting with love and charity, the God-fearing man seeks and appreciates peace, mutual understanding, and growth.
Furthermore, a God-fearing man is a husband who loves his wife and is not bitter against her, as reflected in Colossians 3:19.
Are you leaning on God’s guidance? or confused by the distractions and demands of society? As you learn to incorporate the truths in God’s Word, it will bless you. In turn, you will surely bless others by living as a God-fearing man.
Chad He is a believer in Christ, attorney at law, aspiring golfer, runner, dog lover, and writer. He enjoys serving his church as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. He can be found on Facebook, Twitter and in his devotion to golf. par3sixteen.com. He and his wife Brandi reside in Tennessee with their canine son Alistair.