The topic of “masculinity” has been hot on the minds and lips of many in the past couple of years, thanks in part to liberal media and culture trying to completely obliterate the definitions of what “men” and “women” are. In response, secular conservative culture has pushed back with some traditional views of what the male members of the human species are – strong providers who are good at physical things.
The world is full of men who look strong on the outside. They take pride in being tough, successful, confident, and capable. Many of them would even be called good men. Their neighbors respect them. Their coworkers admire them. They work hard, provide for their families, know how to change their tire, and keep their lawns trimmed and clean.
Depending on where you fall politically, people might point to certain traits and call them manly. Conservatives might call a man strong if he is self-reliant, armed, financially independent, and outspoken. Liberals might praise a man who is emotionally expressive, activist-minded, and socially aware. Both sides have their own picture of what a “good” man might be like.
Although there are bits and parts that both sides may get correct, the Bible often presents a vastly different portrayal of a godly man. A godly man is something far deeper, far stronger, and far rarer than the world’s version of a good man. A godly man is not shaped by culture. He is shaped by the Word of God. And the difference between the two could not be more important.
A Good Man Seeks Honor. A Godly Man Seeks Holiness.
Cultural manhood is obsessed with honor. A man wants respect, recognition, and reputation. He wants to be admired for his strength or his accomplishments. He wants others to say he is impressive. He might build a career, a public image, or a social following around that craving.
Godly manhood aims for something that will never trend on social media: holiness. A godly man cares more about pleasing and obeying God than looking powerful before people. The world rewards men who elevate themselves. Scripture calls those men foolish.
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
– James 4:6
Holiness takes a different kind of strength. The kind that comes from kneeling, repenting, confessing sins, and seeking purity of heart. It is about being set apart from the world and society’s ways of doing things. It is not glamorous, but it is eternal.
A Good Man Trusts His Instincts. A Godly Man Trusts God’s Word.
Every cultural idea of manhood, whether conservative or progressive, tells men to follow what feels right. Trust your gut. Do what seems natural. Believe in yourself.
Scripture teaches the opposite.
“The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick; who can understand it?”
– Jeremiah 17:9
A godly man knows he cannot trust his heart. He trusts the Word of God. A godly man shapes his decisions, his convictions, and his identity around Scripture. Culture changes. Feelings change. God does not.
A Good Man Wants to Be Strong. A Godly Man Wants to Be Surrendered.
The world celebrates a man who never backs down. The kind of man who wins battles, never shows weakness, and always takes charge. Even in Christian circles, men often confuse grit for grace. They think strong leadership is measured by volume, pressure, or dominance.
Jesus calls men to something radically different.
“If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”
– Luke 9:23
Surrender. Daily. A godly man does not prove himself through domination. He proves himself through submission to Christ. In doing so, a godly man will be a true, biblical leader worth following, especially at home in front of his wife and kids.
In the Bible, the Apostle Paul wrestled with pride. To help quell this, the Lord gave Paul a “thorn in the flesh.” This was to keep Paul humble and weak, so that he realized his strength must come from Christ, and not himself. Read about it in 1 Corinthians 12:1-10.
Cultural strength wins arguments. Godly strength wins battles in prayer.
A Good Man Provides for His Home. A Godly Man Shepherds His Home.
Most cultures will applaud a man who works hard and pays his bills. That makes him responsible. That makes him admirable. That makes him a good man.
But that does not automatically make him a godly man.
Don’t get me wrong; we as men need to be hardworking providers. Yet a godly man does more than provide. He shepherds. He leads his family spiritually. He brings Scripture into the home. He prays with his wife. He teaches his children to walk with God. He guards the home spiritually. Provision matters, but discipleship is what God holds a man accountable for.
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
– Joshua 24:15
Serving the Lord must begin with the man who sets the tone.
A Good Man Tries to Avoid Trouble. A Godly Man Goes to War Against Sin
A good man might be moral, polite, and socially gentle. He minds his business and stays out of controversy. He does not want to rock the boat. He just wants peace and comfort.
A godly man knows that passivity is not peace. Sin must be confronted. Temptation must be resisted. Lies must be rejected. A godly man fights the real battles.
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”
– 1 Corinthians 16:13
Act like men. Not in bravado. Not in cultural chest pounding. In courage, conviction, vigilance, and holiness. A good man tries to avoid conflict. A godly man fights the good fight of the faith.
A Good Man Builds His Name. A Godly Man Builds God’s Kingdom.
Every version of worldly manhood pushes men toward self-focus. Build a career. Build the brand. Build the legacy. Build the platform. Make your name great.
Godly manhood cares about a different legacy. Not your name. His Name. Not your empire. His kingdom.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
– John 3:30
That is the heartbeat of a godly man.
A Good Man Looks Strong. A Godly Man Stays Faithful.
Appearance is everything to the world. A guy who looks confident, looks successful, looks masculine, will be praised. Some men adopt conservative cultural markers. Others adopt progressive ones. Neither version saves a soul or sanctifies a heart.
God is not looking for men who look strong. God is looking for men who stay faithful.
“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”
– 1 Corinthians 4:2
Faithfulness. Day in, day out. In the unseen places. In the quiet hours. In prayer, Scripture, repentance, and obedience. A godly man is strong because he is steady.
The Final Difference
A good man might impress the world. A godly man pleases the Lord. A good man might be honored on earth. A godly man is known in heaven. A good man might build a great life. A godly man receives a crown that will never fade.
The world does not need more good men. The world needs godly men. Men who believe the Word. Men who walk in holiness. Men who surrender daily. Men who lead with humility. Men who fight sin. Men who fear God far more than the opinions of any political group or cultural tribe.
The difference is eternal.
Which kind of man are you becoming?
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