This question has been asked and answered in many different ways throughout history. Ancient philosophy emphasized virtuous living for the sake of self-gain and personal fulfillment. Whereas today’s culture often shifts between denying masculinity altogether and expressing it in toxic ways.
Ultimately, men want to stand out, be the best, and be remembered for good things in their life. But what are the most important virtues or characteristics of what makes a man “good”? As 21st Century Christian men, we look to Scripture to understand what a good man is.
The Bible provides us with many examples of good men and the characteristics they display, including but not limited to:
- Righteous & Blameless - Noah (Gen. 6:5)
- Faithful – Abraham (Gen. 12-14; Heb. 11:8-10)
- Courageous – Joshua (Josh. 1:9)
- Honest & Resilient - Joseph, (Gen. 39)
- Humble Leader & Intercessor- Moses (Ex. 32:12-14, Num. 12:3)
- Witness (to God & Christ) - Daniel (Dan. 6)
- Zeal for God – Elijah (1 Kgs. 18:20-46)
- Man after God’s own Heart – David (1 Sam. 13:14, Acts 13:22)
- Faithful Followers – 12 Disciples (John 6:68)
There are many more men who can be described as "good" found in Scripture such as mighty warriors like Caleb and Gideon, King Josiah, Nehemiah, Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Jesus' earthly Father, Joseph. While each of these men are examples worth following, none could be described as "perfect." There is only one who is Perfect, and that is the MAN, Christ Jesus.
We often overlook this truth: Jesus was not only God incarnate but also truly a man. Jesus fully experienced what it means to be human: He was conceived and born of a woman; He grew up learning the Torah, had siblings and friends, worked as a carpenter, needed rest, enjoyed celebrations, faced temptation from Satan, and endured physical pain.*
Jesus is really a man, just as we are. He endured all the issues of life and the temptations that we as men endure. But He did this as God. This means He is our perfect example, surpassing all men who are NOT God. All we can be as “good” men must be founded in the Man, Jesus Christ, the very best definition of everything that a man is and should be.
Modern-day role models like podcasters, sports stars, actors, and politicians are all flawed, and most importantly, sinful men. So why do we often look to these men, forgetting about or disregarding the perfect man, Jesus Christ?
So, men, here’s the challenge: stop chasing flawed role models. No celebrity, athlete, or historic figure can define what it means to be a good man. Instead, ask yourself: “Who is the man Christ Jesus?”
• Learn what Scripture says about Jesus.
• Commune with Him in prayer.
• Follow His steps in both strength and humility.
• Hang out with other biblical “good” men.
As Paul exhorts: “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). Only in Jesus do we find the fullness of manhood and the path toward not just being “good,” but being made whole.
Paul writes in Ephesians 4:13 (ESV): “...until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Maturity isn’t found in worldly accolades but in becoming like Christ, the only perfect Man who lived, died, rose, and now reigns at the right hand of God.
If you long to be a good man, pursue Jesus. Let Him shape your heart, your character, and your actions. The world can only offer fragments of manhood. Christ offers the fullness.
Want to grow in biblical manhood and discover what it means to live with purpose, integrity, and faith like Christ? Join our Biblical Manhood course. Each participant is paired with a personal mentor who walks alongside you through the journey.
Click
here to fill out our interest form.
*Scripture cited: Lk 1-2, Mk 6:3, Mk 4:38, Jn 2:2, Matt 4:1-11, Heb 4:15
