These past few weeks, I have been seeing blog posts and reading about Godly men and women and how God has called each and every one of us to step up, put down our selfish ways, and follow Him. I whole heartedly agree with so many of these posts and am happy to see The Lord putting a fire inside people's souls. These messages are not only talking about men and women in relationships, but about the power God can do in us individually if we let Him.
I want to share with you how God has healed and transformed my Spirit. He has renewed my view of men and I know that there are Godly men out there. I no longer idolize relationships or obsess about who my future husband will be. Why? Because God has given me so much peace and contentment on the topic. I know His plans are best and I am excited to tell you about the characteristics He has told me to seek out. So, men and women, are you prepared for this? Are you willing to WAIT and be patient for who God has planned for you?
Characteristics of a Godly Man:
- God-fearing. This is not just someone who says they love Jesus but do not seek Him out every single day. A god-fearing man is someone who clearly listens to the Lord and follows Him in obedience. This is someone who lays down his life and everything that may hold temporary significance in order to live for the Eternal and bring Kingdom to the Nations (and ours). A god-fearing man KNOWS and FEELS the love of God but the punishment that He may give for those who turn away. This man understands grace and extends that to everyone he comes across.
- Gentle/Humble. A gentle man is full of kindness and compassion. He has a heart for the poor, orphans, sex trafficking victims, and this hurting world. Although he may be blessed with wonderful gifts and abilities, he does not flaunt them. He is not proud. He does not let anger or emotions get the best of him. He is full of humility that comes from seeing the softness of Jesus.
- Servant. This is someone who will serve his Father no matter what. If that means giving up a wonderful profession and moving to a third world country, this man will do that in order to serve his God. A man of service will also respect his wife and understand any hardships she may be going through. He will cook, clean, and help around the house out of love for his wife that stems from his love for The Lord.
- Strength. I am not talking about physical strength here. I am talking about the kind of man who STANDS FIRM in his faith. He is not swayed and rocked by the secularism of this world or what others may think of him. He is not living a double life of satisfying the needs of one group of friends, partying on weekends, objectifying women, and then turning to The Lord the next week. He FIGHTS for what is his and will step out with courage and boldness for his wife, family, and loved ones. A true man of strength exudes confidence and is willing to go to war for anything God has called him to.
- Purity. Men, I know that this may be a hard one. It is a biological fact that men are hardwired differently than women. Men are more prone to becoming attracted/aroused to physical things. However, The Lord has called you to overcome that with His help. There is nothing more inspiring than a man who fights for his purity on a daily basis. He chooses to turn away from temptations or addictions and lay them at his Father's feet. He honors his wife by staying faithful in mind, body, and Spirit. A man of purity will be head-over-heels in love with his wife and the temptations that once conquered his life will be swept away by the blessings God pours onto the relationship. This will also breed TRUST. Men of Purity: WILL uphold sexual purity before marriage and not flirt or entertain the idea of engaging in sexual immorality before then. Guys, this is a huge one. I know it is hard to stay sexually pure before marriage but you MUST fight hard for this one. Give it up to God and He will help you through it. It is SO important for not only you but your girlfriend/future wife to truly understand the significance of this. Please ask The Lord for guidance and strength.
- Leader. That's right. God has called you men to be LEADERS. Growing up, I have been incredibly blessed to have a wonderful earthly father who has shown love and support. I have an amazing brother who has such a pure heart and will always be there to protect me. But I have been hesitant to see any other Godly men show up. Now this may be my fault, as I have sought out relationships on the basis of other characteristics (looks, job, personality, etc). This does not mean I have not had GOOD men in my life – but there is a difference between a GOOD man and a GODLY man. Godly men follow the Lord's command to be spiritual leaders. "But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God." 1 Cor. 11:3. This means upholding the house with Christ as the center. Godly men will push and challenge their wives to grow in their faith and will lead in a beautiful, loving way. They will teach their children about Jesus and be persistent out of love each and every day. I know that this is what I want for my future husband. Someone who will be able to lead me spiritually, challenge me, love me like Jesus does, and teach my children and family about how amazing God is.
"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." Ephesians 5:25
Ladies, I assure you that there are Godly men out there. So do NOT give up hope or settle for just anyone. These are some of the characteristics God has spoken to me about. These are characteristics I have compiled after past relationships, heartbreaks, and HOPE that He has restored in me. For me, these qualities are NON-NEGOTIABLE. I will not justify, make up excuses, or give in to anything less. God has spoken so much to me on this topic, as I used to day dream about my future husband and family so much. Although it is in the back of my mind, I choose to focus on what He has for me today. But when the day comes that the Lord blesses me with a future spouse, I will be prepared. Will you? I encourage you to pray, meditate, and journal or think about what is important to you. I can tell you with authority from Jesus that HE wants the very best for you and does not want to see you broken or fall into patterns of the past anymore.
*Men, I lift up a prayer for you all. I pray that God will soften your hearts and give you the courage and strength you may be asking for or needing. I pray that He will ignite a fire and passion inside your bones and soul to change or ask for help. I pray that you may ask the Lord to change the desires of your heart so they are centered on Jesus alone. I pray that you fight for your purity and do not give in to how this world has defined "men." You have so much to offer this world and God wants to give you these abilities to bring forth hope and light. Father, please raise up a generation of men who will be faithful to you and women. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Until then, I will praise you and worship you, Abba. For I am entangled in a divine romance.
