I often examine myself to see what needs to be changed or tuned up in my life. Like an automobile, in order to keep it running in top shape, you have to care for it by changing the oil, giving it tune-ups, washing it, giving it a good wax job, etc. Examining myself helps me stay on track with my walk with the Lord.

This raised a question in my mind: What makes a good man? I don’t want the world’s idea of a good man; I wanted God’s view of a good man. So in my Bible study time, I dove in to find out what God considers a good man.

There are 5 core principles and 5 actions or attitudes that a good man needs or has. I will briefly go through them.Starting out with the 5 core principles:

Character: Good character is having a Fear of the Lord. Not being afraid of Him, but knowing Him on a personal level.Walking with the Lord: You can’t fear the Lord if you don’t know Him. The only way to know Him is to walk with Him.

Humbleness: A good man considers others’ well-being before himself. He puts others first and doesn’t think he is better than anyone else.

Demonstrates Strength and Courage: A good man will have the initiative in showing love to his friends and family. He is gentle and shows self-control.

Acts Justly and Mercifully: A good man will do what is right, making decisions with kindness and compassion.

We have the foundation of what a good man should be; now let’s look at what a good man’s 5 actions and attitudes should be as we build on the foundation.

Seeks God’s Commandments: A good man loves God’s word and tries to live by it.

Being in Prayer: A good man is continually in prayer, in constant communication with God.

Sacrifices for Others: A good man will joyfully sacrifice whatever he has for those he loves, as exemplified by Christ.

Guards His Heart: A good man will protect his heart from negative influences like lust, pride, anger, or anything that does not glorify the Lord.

Seeks to Praise the Lord: A good man will strive to glorify the Lord through his actions, whether at work or at home with the family. He will also seek to help others.

This is what God commands to be a good man. Although I didn’t add any scriptures to this post, everything, formention, can be found in the scriptures teaching us as men how to be as God’s men. The New Testament, starting in Corinthians, has a lot to say about what a good man is and how to lead your family.

Guys, THIS IS SO VERY IMPOTANT: God has put us in charge of the well-being of our families. We have to lead by example as Christ has shown us. We not only have our lives to care for, but we also have our wives’ and children’s lives to be responsible for. Yes, they have their own minds, and they are also responsible for their actions. Their actions, though, are determined by how we lead. We are ACCOUNTABLE for our family.

This is why we need to stay in top running order. We are the men of the house. We are charged with the protection and care of the family.

It is a great humble honor to be the man of the house, but it also comes with a great responsibility—a responsibility that should not be taken for granted.