5 Mandates for the Godly ManSample

Introduction

Have you ever heard, "Be a Man?" If you are like most men, you have. But what does it mean to be a man, a true man of God? Today the world no longer recognizes real men because it attempts to redefine what a real man looks like, which is contrary to God's design! Being a man—a man of God—is a choice.

Many of us think we are a man of God, but we have never really taken the time to investigate what it looks like to be a man after God’s own heart. For many it is because we have not put ourselves in the hands of the Master. Take a football, for example. The only way to achieve its ultimate purpose is for it to be placed in a skilled man's hands, a quarterback, a master. The master is the one who knows how to get the most out of something.

It’s no different for average Joe's like you and me. To identify the very thing most men seek—true purpose—we need to put ourselves in the hands of the Master. Because when we are in His hands, I can assure you, we are not just an average Joe, but rather someone built to succeed—a man of action!

Men, we have an identity problem. I believe this truth has led to the greatest problem in the world today: men who have abdicated their role as husband, father, and leader. This statement may surprise you. After all, isn't sin the greatest problem? For the unbeliever, sin means nothing, so in the secular world, this statement rings true. But what about for Christians? The truth is that sin is a choice. We believers can turn away from sin, but many do not. Most companies, governments, and ministries are overwhelmingly led by men, both believers, and unbelievers. What would happen if those men led in a godly manner? The change would rock the world!

In just over one generation, we have gone from Fathers Knows Best to Father Knows Nothing! Make no mistake, it takes work to be the man God created us to be. In actuality, the father knows best when the father knows God! 

So what does a man of God look like?

I believe you will find His concise answer in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV), which says, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” These are 5 mandates for the godly man. Let’s take the next six days to explore these valuable mandates.