Giving Ourselves to God

By Greg Laurie, Op-ed contributor Saturday, August 20, 2011

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
- Romans 12:1-2

The Bible tells us that, in light of all God has done for us, we should present ourselves to Him. If we do this, then we will know His will for our lives. What does that mean, to present our bodies? It means that you give your whole self to Christ, and Christ alone.

1. We need to present our minds. Fill your mind with the Word of God, not the filth and twisted worldview of our culture. A recent survey revealed that America's children and teenagers are now spending an average of more than 7.5 hours a day involved in electronic media (TV, video games, listening to music, surfing the Web, texting, and e-mailing). We need to think more about godly things! As Paul wrote to the Philippian church, "Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise" (Philippians 4:8).

2. We need to present our tongues. This refers to how we use our words, what we say to others. We can do great harm or great good with our words. One word can either elevate, or devastate. The Bible tells us, "So also, the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire" (James 3:5).

3. We need to present our hands and feet too. Among the seven things listed in Proverbs 16 that the Lord hates are "hands that kill the innocent . . . feet that race to do wrong" (Proverbs 6:16–18). How much more glorious is it to have our hands and feet take the gospel out to a lost and dying world. Romans 10:15 says, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

I urge you to present your body to Him today and every day!