The Godly Man

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. Psalms 1:1-3 KJV

What does it mean to be a godly man in today's world? Can one be a Christian leader in his home and church? I tend to think so--allow me to look back at the above Scripture passage...

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly..." Ah, the ungodly--it is true we live in a morally depraved society. As such, we have become terribly desensitized by the news media and television programming. Things that should break our hearts are almost common occurrences. Stories of rape, robbery and murder are pretty much the norm in the world we live in...

"Nor stands in the path of sinners..." The path we take daily is riddled with sin and temptation. It is almost impossible to shop for groceries, attend a sporting event or take your family to dinner without being bombarded with the things of the world. Billboards advertise adult bookstores, casinos & gambling, and more. The magazines at the local grocer's checkout promotes sex, alcohol and adulterous or "alternative" lifestyles. Alleged "family" restaurants are loud, smoky and full of neon signs promoting various beer brands...

"Nor sits in the seat of the scornful..." The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines scornful as "full of scorn (1 : open dislike and disrespect or derision often mixed with indignation 2 : an expression of contempt or derision 3 : an object of extreme disdain, contempt, or derision : something contemptible) or contemptuous. Does this describe anyone you know? Does it in any way describe you? GOD forbid that anyone calling themselves a Christian ever fall into this category!

"But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night..." In order to isolate ourselves from the worldly and satanic forces that surround us and to maintain our relationship with The Father, we must die to sin on a daily basis. It is of utmost importance that we read and study GOD's Word and spend time in prayer regularly. It's also important that we spend time in fellowship and corporate worship with a family of believers.

"He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper..." It is GOD who is the source of all our blessings. Psalms 37:4 tells us "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart". A tree planted by the water flourishes, there is a steady supply of nutrients and moisture to support it's vegetation. If we truly "plug in" to GOD, He supplies our daily needs. Mind you, I said needs--not wants. His provision is sufficient to support us so that we in turn can offer encouragement and be a blessing to others. Then there's the fruit thing...if we are growing spiritually, there will be obvious signs (fruits). Others will see Christ in us and desire to know the peace and love of Jesus as a result of seeing Him at work in our lives.

Continuing on with the godly man theme, I feel it necessary to point out a few other Scriptures as well largely because it is easy to become so consumed in our attempts to please GOD that we often neglect those closest to us. To that end, we must seek harmony in our homes in order to maintain a well-balanced life. If we attend GOD's family but not our own, we have failed. 1 Timothy 5:8 states "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel". These are harsh and pointed words but words to be heeded still the same.

As Christian men, we must also guard and nourish our marriages. Yes guys, we need to show our wives love and patience--not domination and tyranny. This relationship is secondary only to our relationship with GOD and marriage is GOD-ordained. Look with me if you will at the book of Ephesians. Men generally like this book because it tells wives to submit to their husbands. However, there is more to it than that and we cannot ask women to follow GOD's Word if we are not prepared to do the same. Ephesians 5:25-29 clearly says, "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church..." It sounds like a tall order, but it can be accomplished. Remember, woman was created from the rib of the man, near the heart to be loved, held dear and treated with dignity and respect.

One last thing--the children. The family is under attack and Satan will utilize anything he can to tear apart the family unit. It is our responsibility to GOD and our family to exhibit our Christian faith in a way that our children will learn and come to know Christ through our example. Proverbs 22:6 tells us "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it", while Proverbs 23:13a says "Withhold not correction from the child..." There again, we must find the balance and teach our children through reasonable discipline. We are instructed in Ephesians 6:4, "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord".

While there will be difficult times, GOD is always there to guide and direct us if we seek Him. If we attempt to do things on our own, disaster is certain. Look to Him in all things. Proverbs 3:5-6 offers us this promise, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." His directing of our paths will never lead us astray. He is a good GOD and His desire is to protect and provide for us as a Father should. We should follow his example...

Blessings!
Tony