On godliness and manliness

What makes a person godly?

Faith in God: A godly person has faith in Jesus Christ, which is foundational (Hebrews 11:6; Romans 5:1).
Obedience to God's Word: Living according to the Bible, submitting to its authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:22).
Fruits of the Spirit: A godly person demonstrates love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Humility and dependence on God: Recognizing one’s need for God and His grace (Micah 6:8; James 4:10).

What makes one a man or a woman?

Biological creation: God created humanity male and female, rooted in physical and biological distinctions (Genesis 1:27). These distinctions are not arbitrary but reflect God's intentional design.
Complementary roles: The Bible outlines roles that flow from these distinctions, such as men being called to lead and women called to help, with both reflecting God’s image equally but in unique ways (Genesis 2:18; Ephesians 5:22-25).
Submission in godly order: She submits willingly to God’s order, not in inferiority, but as an act of trust and obedience to God (Ephesians 5:22-24).

What makes a godly man?

Leadership in the Home and Church: A godly man is called to lovingly lead and take responsibility (1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 5:23). This includes sacrificial love, as Christ loves the church.
Provision and Protection: A godly man works diligently to provide and protect his family, mirroring God’s care (1 Timothy 5:8).
Moral Integrity and Strength: He seeks purity, courage, and righteousness, setting an example for others (1 Timothy 6:11-12; Proverbs 20:7).

What makes a godly woman?

Helper and nurturer: A godly woman embraces her role as a helper and nurturer, reflecting God’s compassionate nature (Genesis 2:18; Titus 2:3-5).
Inner beauty and strength: Her focus is on a gentle and quiet spirit, marked by trust in God and respect for others (1 Peter 3:3-4).
Submission in godly order: She submits willingly to God’s order, not in inferiority, but as an act of trust and obedience to God (Ephesians 5:22-24).

The overlap between godly men and women

Both godly men and women:

Submit to God’s will and seek His glory (Matthew 6:33).
Pursue holiness and righteousness (1 Peter 1:15-16).
Love sacrificially and serve others (John 13:34-35).
Exercise their spiritual gifts for the benefit of the church (Romans 12:6-8).

Is it enough to be godly and not a godly man or woman?

While godliness is the core of a believer's identity, Scripture teaches that godliness is expressed in ways consistent with being male or female. For example:

A man who is godly but neglects his role as a leader in his home or church is not fully living out God’s design for him.
Similarly, a godly woman who rejects her role as a helper or nurturer is missing an essential aspect of God’s design for her.

Godliness is foundational, but it must harmonize with the unique responsibilities God assigns to men and women. Together, these roles reflect His design for humanity and bring glory to Him. Being godly is essential, but being a godly man or woman means embracing the fullness of your God-given identity and calling.