Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to talk to a good guy friend of mine about how often he sees women asking God for a “God-fearing man.”

We’re all guilty of that, I know a “God-fearing man (GFM) is on my list of wants in a future husband. My friend, let’s call him Richie, said that women should be on the lookout for a “God following man.”

Of course, I wanted to know the difference. Here’s what he said: 

A God-fearing man fears God, but is still subject to do things that are contrary to God’s Word simply because there’s no level of submission. It’s similar to men who are afraid to go to jail, but still participate in activities that could still land him in jail. Judas was a man who feared God. He was a disciple, did all of the things he was supposed to do, but in a crunch, be betrayed Jesus.

Men who follow God are submitted to God, His plan, His ways, and don’t make a move without Him. There is the fear of God in him, however his ability to follow God is what makes him superior to the man who only fears God. This is the type of man you can trust to lead you to the place God has for you.

Ideally, we want a man who can do both. One who reveres God enough to do the right thing (pay tithes, worship God, follow his precepts) but wise enough to know that the real power is when he’s submitted enough to follow after God. Neither man is perfect, I’m sure, but one who can be submitted to God in all his ways is essentially fulfilling the perfect will for his life.

I typically don’t tackle dating and relationships on my blog, but this topic was worth while. I never thought about it the way he presented it, but after mulling over it for a while, he may be right.

What are your thoughts? Is there a distinct difference between the two? Does a hybrid blend of both bring ideal happiness? Post your comments below!

On the Chase,

Alisha L.