Becoming Men of God: Qualities and Conduct that Reflect Christ

As men who believe in Jesus, our ultimate goal is to become more like Him. We want to reflect His character and live in a way that honors Him. So, what does it mean to be a man of God? What does a man who follows Jesus really look like? In this article, we will explore the qualities and conduct of a man of God according to the Bible.

One of the key verses that helps us understand how we should conduct ourselves is found in 1 Timothy 4:12. The apostle Paul writes to Timothy, a young man in the faith, and encourages him to set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. These qualities provide a simple yet challenging paradigm for becoming men of God.

In this article, we will focus on the aspect of conduct. Our conduct encompasses not only what we say but also how we live. It is the outward expression of our faith and the way we represent Jesus to the world. So, let's dive into what it means to have conduct that reflects a man of God.

Uncommon Lifestyle

To understand how we should conduct ourselves, we can turn to the qualifications for elders outlined in 1 Timothy 3. While these qualifications are specifically given for aspiring elders, they are applicable to all Christian men. The qualities described in these qualifications provide a blueprint for the conduct of a man of God.

One of the most important aspects of our conduct as men of God is holiness. In 1 Peter 1:14-16, we are called to be holy in all our conduct because our God is holy. This means that we should strive to live lives that are set apart from the world and characterized by obedience to God's commands. We should actively put to death the sinful desires of our flesh and seek to conform our conduct to the conduct of Christ.

Men of Self-Control

Another crucial aspect of our conduct is self-control. In a world that encourages indulgence and instant gratification, we are called to exercise self-control in all areas of our lives. This includes controlling our bodies, our time, our spending, and even our attention. As 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 reminds us, we are called to abstain from sexual immorality and to control our bodies in holiness and honor. Self-control requires saying no to our sinful desires and choosing to live in a way that pleases God.

Men of Sincerity

Sincerity is another quality that should characterize our conduct as men of God. We are called to live with simplicity and godly sincerity, as Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 1:12. Sincerity means being genuine and authentic in our faith. It means that we are the same in secret as we are in public. Our conduct should not be a facade or an attempt to cover up our immaturities. Instead, it should be the natural outflow of a heart that is growing in holiness and humility.

Men Who Make Peace

As men of God, we are called to be peacemakers. In 1 Timothy 3:3, one of the qualifications for elders is that they must not be quarrelsome. This does not mean that we avoid all disagreements or conflicts, but rather that we actively pursue and protect God-honoring peace. We are called to reconcile, comfort, agree with, and live in peace with one another (Romans 14:19, 2 Corinthians 13:11). In a world marked by division and hostility, our commitment to pursuing and keeping peace sets us apart as men of God.

Men of the Home

Before a man can lead in the church, he must first manage his own household well (1 Timothy 3:4). This means that our conduct at home is of utmost importance. Our love for our wives should mirror the sacrificial love of Christ for the church (Ephesians 5:25). We should train up our children in the way they should go and treat them with dignity and respect (Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6:4). Hospitality is also a key aspect of our conduct at home, as we are called to welcome others into our homes and serve them (Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:2). Our conduct at home sets the foundation for everything else we do in the world.

Men Who Do Good

Ultimately, our conduct should be marked by doing good. In 1 Timothy 6:18, Paul encourages the rich to be rich in good works. We are called to be zealous for good works and to actively seek opportunities to do good to others (Titus 2:14). As Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, God has prepared good works for us to walk in. Our conduct should reflect our desire to bring glory to God and bless others.

In conclusion, as men who believe in Jesus, our conduct should reflect the character of Christ. We are called to be holy, self-controlled, sincere, peacemakers, leaders in our homes, and doers of good. Our conduct should set us apart as men of God and testify to the transforming power of Jesus in our lives. Let us strive to live in a way that honors Him and points others to Him.