Have you ever wondered what truly sets apart a godly man in today’s world of shifting values and blurred moral lines? While exploring the characteristics of a godly man recently, I found myself reflecting on my grandfather’s life – a man who worked as a humble carpenter yet carried himself with such remarkable dignity and grace that people naturally gravitated toward him for advice and wisdom.
Growing up, I watched countless men chase success, wealth, and status, but now I understand that true godliness runs deeper than these surface-level achievements. In this guide, we’ll dive into fundamental pillars that shape a godly character: cultivating a robust spiritual foundation, maintaining unwavering integrity, leading with love in family life, and creating lasting impact in our communities.
Let me share something that hit home for me recently – becoming a godly man isn’t about perfecting a checklist or putting on a religious facade. It’s about authentic transformation, like how a skilled craftsman carefully shapes raw material into something beautiful and purposeful. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your faith or you’ve been walking this path for years, these insights and practical wisdom might just be the compass you need for your own journey.
1. Daily Prayer and Meditation
You know that feeling when your phone battery dies, and suddenly you feel disconnected from everything? That’s exactly how I felt spiritually before developing a consistent prayer life. I remember sitting in my home office one evening, overwhelmed with work deadlines and family responsibilities, when my young daughter walked in and asked, “Daddy, why don’t we pray together anymore?”
That innocent question stopped me in my tracks. One of the key characteristics of a godly man is maintaining a vibrant prayer life, but somewhere along the way, I’d let the daily grind crowd out my spiritual connection. Like many men, I had fallen into the trap of treating prayer as a last resort rather than a first response.
King David’s example in Psalm 5:3 became my blueprint: “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” I started small – just 10 minutes each morning before everyone else woke up. Gradually, those moments became my spiritual lifeline, like morning coffee for my soul.
Here’s what I’ve learned: prayer isn’t about eloquent words or lengthy monologues. It’s about authentic conversation with God. Sometimes I journal my prayers, other times I simply sit in silence, letting my heart sync with His presence. The transformation wasn’t overnight, but the impact has been profound – better decision-making, increased patience with my kids, and a peace that anchors me through life’s storms.
2. Biblical Knowledge
“Dad, why do you keep highlighting your Bible like it’s a college textbook?” my son asked one Saturday morning. I smiled, remembering how I once viewed Bible reading as a chore rather than an adventure. Through my journey of discovering the characteristics of a godly man, I’ve realized that biblical literacy isn’t about memorizing verses – it’s about letting God’s word reshape your worldview.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” But let me be honest – building biblical knowledge takes intentionality. I started by joining a men’s Bible study group at church, where we wrestled with difficult passages together. The discussions were sometimes heated, often humbling, but always enlightening.
I developed a system that works for me: reading one chapter each morning, following a Bible reading plan on my phone, and keeping a small notebook for questions and insights. It’s like building a spiritual GPS – the more familiar you become with God’s word, the better equipped you are to navigate life’s challenges.
The real breakthrough came when I stopped treating the Bible like a rulebook and started seeing it as a love letter from God. Now, those highlighted passages aren’t just information; they’re conversation starters with my kids, guidance for tough decisions at work, and anchors during personal struggles.
3. Faith in Action
“Actions speak louder than words” – my father’s favorite saying echoes in my mind whenever I think about living out my faith. Living as one of the characteristics of a godly man requires more than Sunday church attendance; it demands putting feet to our prayers and hands to our beliefs.
James 2:17 puts it bluntly: “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” I learned this lesson the hard way when our neighbor lost his job during the pandemic. Initially, I offered to pray for him – which was good, but not enough. Then I remembered my own struggle years ago when a stranger helped me find work. That memory prompted me to actually help with his job search, make some connections, and share our family’s groceries during tough weeks.
Faith in action might look different for everyone. For me, it started with small steps: volunteering at the local food bank, mentoring young professionals at work, or simply being available when someone needs to talk. It’s about living intentionally, recognizing that every interaction is an opportunity to demonstrate God’s love practically.
The most powerful lesson came when my teenage daughter noticed these changes. “Dad,” she said, “I like how you don’t just talk about helping people anymore – you actually do it.” Her observation reminded me that our actions often preach louder sermons than our words ever could.
4. Honesty in All Dealings
It was during a crucial business deal that my commitment to honesty faced its biggest test. The client had overlooked a clause that would have saved them thousands of dollars – money that would have significantly boosted our company’s quarterly numbers. The easy path was to stay quiet, but understanding the characteristics of a godly man meant choosing integrity over profit.
Proverbs 11:3 reminds us that “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” In that moment, I thought about the countless times I’d told my children to always tell the truth, no matter the cost. Would I live up to those words when it actually cost something?
I chose to point out the clause to the client. My colleagues thought I was crazy, but something unexpected happened. That client became our strongest advocate, bringing in more business through referrals than we would have made from that single deal. But even if it hadn’t worked out that way, the peace of mind was worth it.
Being honest isn’t just about not lying – it’s about being truthful in our thoughts, words, and actions. It means admitting mistakes when we make them, giving credit where it’s due, and being transparent even when it’s uncomfortable. I’ve learned that honesty builds a foundation of trust that no amount of clever maneuvering can replicate.
5. Moral Courage
Standing alone isn’t easy. I discovered this truth during a board meeting when I had to oppose a popular but ethically questionable business strategy. Understanding the characteristics of a godly man means developing the courage to stand firm in your convictions, even when it costs you something.
Daniel’s story in the Bible has always inspired me – particularly Daniel 6:10, where he continues to pray openly despite the king’s decree against it. Like Daniel, we face situations that test our moral courage: speaking up against workplace discrimination, challenging toxic behavior in friend groups, or choosing to protect others when it would be easier to look away.
I remember when my son was being pressured to join in mocking a classmate with special needs. Instead, he chose to befriend that student, despite losing some of his ‘cool’ friends. When I asked him what gave him the courage, he said, “Remember when you stood up in that meeting, Dad? I figured if you could do it, so could I.”
Moral courage isn’t about being confrontational or self-righteous. It’s about having the strength to do what’s right, even when it’s unpopular or inconvenient. Sometimes it means being the only one not laughing at an inappropriate joke; other times, it means taking a career risk to maintain your integrity.
And here’s the thing about moral courage – like a muscle, it grows stronger with use. Each time we choose to stand for what’s right, we make it easier for others to do the same. In a world that often prioritizes comfort over conviction, developing moral courage isn’t just admirable – it’s essential for anyone seeking to live out their faith authentically.
6. Accountability
I used to think being “strong” meant handling everything alone. That mindset nearly cost me my marriage, my relationship with my kids, and my spiritual wellbeing. It wasn’t until my mentor, James, pulled me aside after a men’s group meeting that I began to understand the power of accountability.
One of the vital characteristics of a godly man is recognizing that we weren’t designed to walk this journey alone. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This truth hit home when I finally opened up about my struggles with work-life balance and my tendency to prioritize success over family time.
My accountability group meets every Thursday morning at 6 AM in a local coffee shop. We’re five men from different walks of life – a teacher, a plumber, a doctor, an entrepreneur, and me. There’s something powerful about sitting across from people who know your struggles, celebrate your victories, and aren’t afraid to call you out when you’re straying off course.
I remember one particularly challenging morning when I had to confess to making a questionable business decision. Instead of judgment, I found understanding and wisdom. Steve, the plumber, shared a similar experience from his own business, and together, we worked through how to make it right. This kind of authentic brotherhood has become my lifeline.
7. Loving Spouse
“Marriage isn’t about finding the right person, but being the right person,” my father told me on my wedding day. Twenty years later, I’m still learning the depth of those words. Looking back, I realize how my understanding of love has evolved from romantic notions to something far more profound and intentional.
Among the characteristics of a godly man, being a loving spouse ranks high on the list. Ephesians 5:25 commands husbands to “love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” This sacrificial love isn’t just about grand gestures; it’s lived out in daily choices and small acts of kindness.
I learned this lesson the hard way during our tenth year of marriage. Caught up in building my career, I had reduced my role as a husband to being a provider. Sarah’s quiet “I miss you” one evening shook me to my core. I was physically present but emotionally absent. That wake-up call led to intentional changes – weekly date nights, daily check-ins, and learning to truly listen instead of just trying to fix everything.
Love in marriage is like tending a garden – it requires constant attention, care, and sometimes getting your hands dirty. It means choosing to love even when feelings fluctuate, supporting dreams that might inconvenience you, and being vulnerable enough to admit when you’re wrong.
8. Present Parent
The text message from my teenage daughter stopped me in my tracks: “Dad, remember when you used to push me on the swings?” Attached was a photo from years ago, both of us laughing at the park. That moment forced me to evaluate how present I really was in my children’s lives.
Through understanding the characteristics of a godly man, I’ve learned that being physically present isn’t enough – our children need us to be emotionally and spiritually available too. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs us to impress God’s commandments on our children, talking about them “when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
This led to some radical changes in our family routine. I started leaving work at 5:30 PM sharp, no matter what. Those precious evening hours became sacred family time. We implemented “Tech-Free Tuesdays” where phones and tablets stay in a basket, and we focus on real conversation, games, or simply being together.
The most meaningful moments often come unexpectedly – like when my son opened up about school bullying during our weekly “daddy-kid breakfast,” or when my daughter sought advice about friendship drama during our evening walk. Being present isn’t about perfection; it’s about availability and engagement.
9. Spiritual Guide
The question came during our family dinner: “Dad, how do you know God is real?” My fork froze midway to my mouth as all eyes turned to me. It was a moment of truth – would I give a textbook answer, or share my authentic journey of faith?
Being a spiritual guide is one of the most profound characteristics of a godly man, and it’s rooted in Joshua 24:15: “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” This role isn’t about having all the answers, but about leading by example and being honest about our own spiritual journey.
I shared with my children about my own doubts and discoveries, including the time I questioned everything after losing my job. We talked about how God showed up through our church community, unexpected opportunities, and even in the peace that sustained us through uncertainty. These conversations have become regular occurrences in our home – sometimes planned, often spontaneous.
Creating a spiritually nurturing environment means being intentional. We started having family devotions after dinner, not as a rigid routine but as a time for open discussion. Sometimes we read Scripture; other times, we share how we saw God working in our day. The key is authenticity – our children need to see that faith is real, relevant, and lived out daily.
10. He is a Mentor to His Children
Walking into my son’s room, I noticed my old toolbox sitting on his desk. “What’s this doing here?” I asked. “Remember when you taught me to fix my bike?” he replied. “Well, I’m teaching Tommy from next door how to fix his.” That moment illustrated a beautiful truth about mentorship – it ripples outward.
Understanding the characteristics of a godly man includes recognizing our role as mentors, especially to our children. Psalm 78:4 speaks about “telling the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord.” This mentorship goes beyond teaching practical skills; it’s about modeling character, faith, and wisdom.
I’ve learned that mentoring happens in both structured and spontaneous moments. Whether it’s teaching my daughter about managing money through her first savings account, or helping my son process his emotions after a tough loss in basketball, these moments build a foundation of trust and guidance that shapes their future.
The most powerful mentoring often happens when we’re vulnerable enough to share our failures. When I apologized to my children after losing my temper, it taught them more about humility and growth than any lecture could. Through these experiences, I’ve discovered that being a mentor isn’t about being perfect – it’s about being present, authentic, and intentionally invested in their growth.
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