Being a man of God means committing one’s life fully to serving and glorifying God. A man of God seeks to know God intimately through studying His word, praying continuously, and living in obedience to His commands. He walks closely with the Lord, relying on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance in every area of life. Here is a more in-depth look at what the Bible teaches about being a man after God’s own heart.
He Has Given His Life to Christ
First and foremost, a man of God has surrendered his life to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. He realizes he is a sinner in need of salvation that only comes through faith in Christ (Romans 3:23, 6:23). A man of God understands that on his own, there is nothing good in him (Romans 7:18). But by the blood of Jesus shed on the cross, his sins are forgiven and he is made new in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). God’s love compels him to live not for himself, but for the Lord who died for him (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
He Seeks an Intimate Relationship with God
A man of God actively pursues knowing the Lord deeply through spiritual disciplines like Bible reading, prayer, fasting, and meditation. He treasures the Word of God, meditating on it day and night and allowing it to permeate every aspect of his life (Psalm 1:2, Joshua 1:8). His passion is to draw near to Jesus every day through prayer, communing with Him continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). He is led by the Holy Spirit in every decision, relying on Him for discernment and direction (Romans 8:14, John 16:13).
He Lives in Holiness and Obedience
A man of God recognizes that belonging to Christ requires him to live differently than the world. He pursues holiness and purity, seeking to glorify God with his body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). He flees from sexual immorality and all that defiles the mind, heart, and conscience (1 Corinthians 6:18, 2 Corinthians 7:1). With the Spirit’s help, he puts off ungodly attitudes like greed, anger, and unforgiveness (Ephesians 4:22-24). He also puts on the character qualities of Christ – compassion, humility, and patience (Colossians 3:12-14). In all he does, whether in word or deed, he aims to obey Christ (Colossians 3:17).
He is Devoted to the Local Church
A man of God remains committed to the bride of Christ, His church. He serves his local church body sacrificially and faithfully using his spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10). He gives generously, understanding that all he has belongs to the Lord (2 Corinthians 8-9). He looks for ways to build up and serve his fellow believers. A man of God treats pastors with honor and respect as those placed in spiritual authority over him (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, Hebrews 13:17). He avoids gossip, dissension, and discord within the church, seeking instead to promote unity (Titus 3:9-11).
He Leads His Family Spiritually
If married, a man of God recognizes that his first ministry is within his home. He treats his wife with love, honor, and sacrificial service, following Christ’s example (Ephesians 5:25). He brings up his children in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). He sets a godly example for his family by living out his faith before them. He prays for and blesses his family, creating a home that honors Christ and reflects His light to a watching world.
He Uses His Gifts to Serve Others
A man of God understands that his life is not his own – he belongs to God and exists to be His hands and feet on earth (1 Corinthians 6:20). He uses his gifts, talents, time, and resources not for his own gain but for building God’s kingdom and serving others (1 Peter 4:10). He looks for ways to share the gospel, disciple other believers, and meet practical needs around him. Like Christ, he seeks out and cares for the poor, weak, and marginalized. He gives to ministries making a difference for eternity. His heart and identity are rooted in living sacrificially as one sent by God for His purposes.
He Stands Firm in Faith
A man of God remains steady in his faith despite changing circumstances or trials. His anchor is Christ and God’s word. He does not compromise or waver when culture clashes with biblical truth and values. By trusting in the Lord’s sovereignty, he withstands persecution and spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18). He clings tightly to the hope he has in Christ, believing God’s promises over his circumstances (Hebrews 10:23). Even through pain and loss, his testimony stays strong. He continues pursuing and proclaiming Christ with perseverance unto the end (2 Timothy 4:7).
He Lives with Eternity in Mind
A man of God keeps his focus on the eternal. He lives each day on earth knowing it is preparation for eternity with God after death (2 Corinthians 5:1). His life goals and priorities are shaped by storing up treasure in heaven, not on earth (Matthew 6:19-21). He faces death not with fear, but with confident hope, finishing his race well (2 Timothy 4:6-8). His earthly life reflects that his true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Before God, he longs to one day hear “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:23).
He Is Quick to Repent When He Stumbles
When a man of God falls into sin, he is quick to repent, confess his sin to the Lord, and turn from that behavior (1 John 1:9). He does not let pride or shame keep him trapped in secret sin. He humbly owns his failure, receives Christ’s forgiveness, and continues seeking to grow in holiness. While the enemy tries to use his stumbles to discourage him, a man of God knows condemnation has no place in those who are in Christ (Romans 8:1). He allows the experience of falling and getting back up to produce perseverance and maturity in him (James 1:2-4).
He Points Others to Christ, Not Himself
A man of God lives for an audience of One – Christ alone. He avoids seeking honor or recognition for himself (John 5:41). When praised or elevated by others, he is quick to humble himself and give all glory to the Lord (1 Peter 5:6). His life focus is magnifying Christ, not magnifying himself. In ministry and service, he aims not to draw others to himself but to point them to knowing Jesus more. He decreases so Christ can increase (John 3:30). Everything he says and does reflects his desire for God alone to be exalted.
In summary, a man of God is one whose entire identity and purpose is found in wholeheartedly pursuing Christ. He is not sinless or perfect. But his sacred ambition is to intimately know Jesus, be transformed into His image, and live fully unto God each day. By walking in humility and the Spirit’s power, he bears much kingdom fruit for eternity. To God alone be all the glory!
