The Godly Man

“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stand in the path of sinners,
nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and in His law he meditates day and night.
He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in its season
and its leaf does not wither;
and in whatever he does, he prospers.

The wicked are not so,
but they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.”
Psalm 1:1-6

How would you describe a godly man? Some might point to a man’s personal witness for Christ in his community. Another might take note of his personal service to the kingdom of Christ in his church. Still others would consider a man’s spiritual leadership in his family. These are solid characteristics of a godly man. But a man can serve Christ and even manage his family well and still not be a man after God’s own heart - the Father’s primary description of a godly man.

A man after God’s heart admits his failures. He does not feed his ego with pride and quickly confesses his sins before God. He likewise is not too egotistical to admit mistakes to his family. A man after God’s heart understands that his strength lies in his weakness. David was frequently at the end of his rope. Paul was thoroughly convinced he could not go on unless he relied on the sufficient grace of God.

Are you honest with God and others regarding your mistakes? Do you work dependent upon God or ask for His help only during trying occasions? The man whose heart is transparent and humble before his Maker will leave Christ’s imprint on all he does.

“He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20