A friend sent me a social media posting that proclaimed, "Dear women, there is a new breed of man awakening on this planet and he does not (mess) around. He knows exactly what he wants and he shows up for you emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and sexually. He learned how to treat a woman while transmuting his own emotional pain and heartache into power, then used that power to alchemize his fear into love; [i.e. transform that fear supernaturally into love]. He remembers his position as a man, a protector and a lover for the woman sent to him by God. He treats her like a sacred phenomenon from heaven and wants her by his side as a partner, lover and friend".
Actually, this friend sent it to my husband as well, telling him how blessed I am and what a great role model he is as a Godly man. I couldn't agree more! I pray for this awakening among men because our world, our nation, and our families desperately need Godly men to rise up and lead. Frankly, I am tired of seeing men emasculated by a culture that seeks to weaken them, undermine them, and reduce the identity in which God created them. It's easy to see Satan in this strategy ... he wants to corrupt God's design of man's dominion over the earth. It started in the Garden when he tempted and seduced Eve into usurping Adam's authority in making the decision to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. And that sin has crept in, down through the centuries, increasingly attacking men's role and their identity, with the goal to make them weaker or less effective, leaving the door open for Satan to control the world.
[NOTE: At this point, I want to take a quick sidestep, and introduce a topic that involves the Genesis 6:1-4 incursion of Fallen Angels. The Church's teachings on this event is sparse and limited, at best. But Flavius Josephus, a Jewish priest, scholar, and historian has shed some light on the oral histories that were accepted and passed down. I suggest you read his 20-volume Antiquities of the Jews for a historical perspective on this subject. And there are some excellent books by modern authors Gary Wayne (Genesis 6 Conspiracy) and Timothy Alberino (Birthright: The Coming Posthuman Apocalypse and the Usurpation of Adam's Dominion On Planet Earth) that will shatter our tame Biblical narrative [of Genesis 6] that the seminaries have proffered over the last 200 years or so.
The thoughts that I am carefully forming [and studying] center around the theory [and possibility] that Satan encouraged the Fallen Angels, [who were jealous that God had provided Adam with a helpmate and wife] to lust after the daughters of men and to marry them (Genesis 6:2) in order to corrupt the bloodline that was designed to lead to Jesus. Timothy Alberino suggests there's a possibility that the women were willing partners because they also sought the knowledge that their ancestor, Eve, was tempted by -- the divine knowledge that Satan used to deceive Eve, and that the Fallen Angels would have received in Heaven before they rebelled and defected.
Consider this: Our authority for dominion of the earth comes from Who we have pledged our allegiance to and Who we're in covenant with, namely the Creator of Earth. But those who have pledged their allegiance to Satan owe their authority to him. He gives men (and women), who use their free will to disobey God, the authority and resources to use their dominion to serve his [Satan's] purposes. We see it today, most alarmingly, in the practice of abortion. Men and their desire, or opinions in this situation, are discounted because Satan has convinced women they have exclusive control and rights over their bodies and can do with them [and to them] what they wish. God's structure for the family is being destroyed and eliminated, as man's purpose in establishing dominion on the earth slips away].
With this understanding, let me get back to my purpose for this post. It is so important at this juncture in history, that we see men reclaim their identity; to begin to live as though they truly are the image of God. So, what makes a man, "Godly"? How can we begin to not only identify and encourage such men, but begin to raise up sons who will follow in their father's/Father's footsteps? We all know that Jesus is the perfect model of a Godly man, so let's consider His character traits.
I think one of the leading indicators of a Godly man is one who has cultivated a deep, personal relationship with God. Jesus never did or said anything that wasn't approved by God. He prayed for Divine counsel and never imposed His will on the situation. Godly men have hearts full of compassion for those in need, and have hearts to serve -- not to be served. How many wars could be avoided if leaders sought and listened to God's advice? How many families would feel secure and live in peace and security, if men were willing to sacrifice and give of themselves for the sake of their wives and children and the Glory of God? And how many women would feel deeply loved by a Godly husband, when they realize they are married to a man who makes it his priority to provide for her, protect her, and esteem her, bringing peace to her life?
Godly men are honest and humble. They don't act out of selfish ambition, but for the good of others. They do the right thing, even when it's not pleasant or desirable. They are steady and consistent, bringing discipline and self-control to situations where peace and harmony are needed to battle against the lawlessness of the Enemy. They know how to persevere and endure in times of challenge and testing, showing others what faithfulness and commitment to God and His ways looks like. They seek wisdom and discernment from God, trusting Him in His timing and plans for the future. They talk to God a lot.
There are so many traits and characteristics of Jesus that are the measure of a Godly man. And I am truly blessed to be married to a man that is intent on following in Jesus's footprints. He is not perfect, [and would be embarrassed that I am paying him this tribute]. He did not always walk out his life in Godly ways. But when the Lord called him out of a worldly mindset and made him accountable for the words, actions, and thoughts in his life, he became teachable and moldable, resolving to grow spiritually as he matured, and let God lead him to more and deeper revelations about his purpose. What could he do for God's Kingdom during whatever time he's here?
Naturally bold and courageous, I have watched him stand for Biblical principles even when it wasn't popular by worldly standards. His heart posture, or attitude, is this: he is not afraid to defend his Biblical worldview in a culture that despises anything that competes with their self-gratification. For him, it's all about representing God and His Son, who gave everything to show us the greatest expression of what love is truly all about. And in the midst of such a determined life, he is still human. He still stumbles, but he repents when he sins, and he is careful to ask for forgiveness and offer it when he is sinned against.
I guess I am most proud to be the wife of this Godly man because he is leading by example, not calling attention to himself, but walking boldly and confidently as a redeemed man; a man who has learned to die to himself so that he can glorify His Lord. Without a doubt, he is bearing fruit for the Kingdom of God, and it is my privilege to walk by his side as we seek God's Kingdom and righteousness, growing together and learning more each day how big and magnanimous and glorious our God is. May He hear our fervent prayers, and faithfully raise up a generation of Godly sons on the earth! Amen!
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
