Godly Man or Just a Church Boy? How to Tell the Difference
A lot of Christian women want to marry a godly man. But what does that actually mean?
A godly man isn’t simply someone who goes to church, prays over his food, and posts the occasional Bible verse on Instagram. There’s so much more to a man who truly follows Jesus.
A church boy knows how to look the part. A godly man lives it out.
So how can you tell the difference? Let’s break it down.
1. A Godly Man Seeks Jesus Daily
One of the biggest differences between a godly man and a church boy is that his relationship with Jesus isn’t just a Sunday thing.
A godly man will:
Spend time with God in prayer and in the Word—not just when life gets hard.
Seek wisdom, conviction, and growth in his faith.
Be the same man on Friday night as he is in church on Sunday.
A church boy will:
Go to church because it’s expected, not because he truly wants to grow in Christ.
Have a surface-level faith that doesn’t impact his decisions or character.
Talk about God but never actually surrender to Him.
A godly man doesn’t just say he loves Jesus—he knows Him, seeks Him, and follows Him in everything he does.
2. A Godly Man Pursues You With Clarity and Honor
When a man of God wants you, you won’t have to wonder.
A godly man will:
Pursue you with intention, not confusion.
Respect your time, heart, and boundaries.
Be upfront about his intentions and commitment.
A church boy will:
Keep you guessing—he likes you, but not enough to fully commit.
Say things like, “I just want to see where God leads us,” but never actually lead.
Expect relationship benefits with zero responsibility.
If a man claims to love Jesus but is stringing you along, making you anxious, or ignoring your values, he’s not leading—he’s playing. And God’s best for you does not involve games.
3. A Godly Man Encourages Your Faith, Not Compromises It
Your relationship should make you more like Jesus, not less.
A godly man will:
Encourage you to grow in your faith.
Pray with you and for you—not just say he does.
Respect your commitment to purity and honor your values.
A church boy will:
Say he loves God but push your physical boundaries.
Let you lead spiritually while he coasts.
Be okay with staying spiritually stagnant because “grace covers it.”
A true man of God doesn’t just respect your faith—he pushes you to go deeper.
4. A Godly Man Leads With Integrity, Not Just Words
A godly man won’t just tell you what you want to hear—he’ll live it out.
A godly man will:
Take responsibility for his actions and choices.
Apologize when he’s wrong and actively work on his character.
Be honest, faithful, and consistent.
A church boy will:
Talk about faith but lack accountability.
Make excuses for bad behavior instead of repenting.
Say all the right things but live however he wants.
His actions should match his words. If he’s not walking the walk, he’s not leading you—he’s performing.
5. A Godly Man Has a Vision for His Life and Relationship
A godly man doesn’t just exist—he moves with purpose.
A godly man will:
Know what God is calling him to and actively pursue it.
Talk about how you both can honor God together, not just dream about marriage.
Lead with clarity, direction, and wisdom.
A church boy will:
Be passive about his life and future.
Keep things vague—no plan, no leadership, no vision.
Use spirituality as a way to sound deep but never actually live it out.
A relationship that honors God has direction, purpose, and a clear vision.
So… Is He a Godly Man or Just a Church Boy?
At the end of the day, the question isn’t, “Is he a Christian?”—it’s, “Does his life reflect Christ?”
A church boy can quote Scripture, sing worship songs, and say all the right things.
A godly man will live it, breathe it, and let it change him from the inside out.
If a man is keeping you confused, stagnant, or distant from God—he’s not leading you in a godly way.
And listen, I know waiting for a godly man isn’t easy. It’s tempting to settle for someone who’s almost there. But trust me when I say—settling for a man who “kind of” follows Jesus isn’t worth the heartbreak.
If you’re dating someone and deep down, you feel something isn’t right—pray about it. Ask God for wisdom, for clarity, and for the strength to walk away if needed.
And if you’re single? Stay single until it’s God’s best. Don’t waste your time on a man who only wears the label of Christianity but doesn’t walk in it.
Because when God brings the right one?
You won’t have to guess.
You won’t have to beg for clarity.
You won’t have to shrink who you are.
You’ll just know.
