living. learning. preparing.
What does it mean to be a man of God? Part I
Something that has been weighing on my heart these past few weeks is the wonder at what it means to be a man of God. Many of my friends have asked the same question and I find myself somewhat lacking in my ability to respond.
If you were to ask me if I knew any godly men I would undoubtedly say yes, however if you were to ask my why I thought they were godly I would have difficulty explaining my reasons. This has challenged me to not only gain wisdom and understanding as to what it means, but more importantly to understand my calling to be a man of God and live it out daily.
I believe that deep in the heart of every man is a desire to be a protector and warrior. Although that may not manifest itself in the physical realm it is important to understand that God created men to be the leaders and authority over their households. Key attributes of a leader are a servants heart, wisdom, and most importantly humility. Why does it seem so easy to think simply by having a relationship with Christ will we be prepared to take on the challenges that life will bring? It took me a long time to understand that if I were to ask God to take me and use me, that I had to be ready and willing to face the trials that He would bring.
There is no room for passive Christianity as a man, especially if you have the responsibility of caring for a wife and children. As the spiritual leader of the home the burden and trials will be enormous, but knowing that God has provided the ability to persevere - and that all He wants is complete reliance on Him - is what will give you the strength needed. It is a daily taking of the cross as Luke 9:23 describes, for without God there is nothing.
1st Timothy 6:11 puts the challenge in better perspective:
"But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses."
To understand what it means to be a man of God you need to use a different standard than what the world does. Here is the standard that I have determined for my life, I know I have a lot more to learn but this is what the Lord has shown me so far.
A Man of God has Faith in God:
Prov 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
A Man of God is Humble:
Prov 29:23 - A man's pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor.
I Peter 5:5-7 -You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
A Man of God is a man of prayer:
Luke 18:1-8
I Timothy 2:1-8
A Man of God is Forgiving:
Matthew 18:21-35
Ephesians 4:32-5:2
Romans 7:14-8:1
A Man of God is Zealous toward the things of God:
Titus 2:11-14.
Gal. 6:9-10
A Man of God is Brave:
Joshua 1:7
A Man of God Loves God:
Matthew 22:37-38
Psalm 31:23; 116:1.
A Man of God Loves and Knows Scripture:
Psalm 1:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Pet. 2:2.
Psalm 119:97-100,162; Isaiah 66:2.
We have only scratched the surface, as I am able to work through my thoughts I will prepare the other half of this post. Please let me know your thoughts!
If you were to ask me if I knew any godly men I would undoubtedly say yes, however if you were to ask my why I thought they were godly I would have difficulty explaining my reasons. This has challenged me to not only gain wisdom and understanding as to what it means, but more importantly to understand my calling to be a man of God and live it out daily.
I believe that deep in the heart of every man is a desire to be a protector and warrior. Although that may not manifest itself in the physical realm it is important to understand that God created men to be the leaders and authority over their households. Key attributes of a leader are a servants heart, wisdom, and most importantly humility. Why does it seem so easy to think simply by having a relationship with Christ will we be prepared to take on the challenges that life will bring? It took me a long time to understand that if I were to ask God to take me and use me, that I had to be ready and willing to face the trials that He would bring.
There is no room for passive Christianity as a man, especially if you have the responsibility of caring for a wife and children. As the spiritual leader of the home the burden and trials will be enormous, but knowing that God has provided the ability to persevere - and that all He wants is complete reliance on Him - is what will give you the strength needed. It is a daily taking of the cross as Luke 9:23 describes, for without God there is nothing.
1st Timothy 6:11 puts the challenge in better perspective:
"But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses."
To understand what it means to be a man of God you need to use a different standard than what the world does. Here is the standard that I have determined for my life, I know I have a lot more to learn but this is what the Lord has shown me so far.
A Man of God has Faith in God:
Prov 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
A Man of God is Humble:
Prov 29:23 - A man's pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor.
I Peter 5:5-7 -You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
A Man of God is a man of prayer:
Luke 18:1-8
I Timothy 2:1-8
A Man of God is Forgiving:
Matthew 18:21-35
Ephesians 4:32-5:2
Romans 7:14-8:1
A Man of God is Zealous toward the things of God:
Titus 2:11-14.
Gal. 6:9-10
A Man of God is Brave:
Joshua 1:7
A Man of God Loves God:
Matthew 22:37-38
Psalm 31:23; 116:1.
A Man of God Loves and Knows Scripture:
Psalm 1:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Pet. 2:2.
Psalm 119:97-100,162; Isaiah 66:2.
We have only scratched the surface, as I am able to work through my thoughts I will prepare the other half of this post. Please let me know your thoughts!
Comment
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Comment by Nick Baker on November 20, 2008 at 2:15pm - I started reading this and was thinking of what I would say a man of God is but you covered it very well. What I would say is that a Man of God is one who believes in God to the point that he follows God no matter what. I think you covered that in a few points. I think becoming a true Man of God is a difficult journey but one that brings great rewards. I don't think I can say I am there but I am trying. Look forward to Part II
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