giving Him our body

Today in the One Year Bible, we read from Romans 12:1-21. Paul urges the Romans, and us, to give our bodies to God because of all that He has done for us. And that might sound odd. Give your body to God? How?

Well, there are lots of answers to that question. Giving of your time to those who need it. Giving of your love to your family and friends. Keeping yourself holy by not pursuing sin, and confessing the sin that so easily entangles you.

But another way you might not have thought of is sharing the experience of your life with Him. Talking to Him about every little thing as you go about your day. Not necessarily in words, but just "lifting your heart" to Him. And as Elizabeth Elliot points out above, we can't give Him just our hearts. Lift your whole body to Him. Ask Him to interact with you there. Share your pains and your concerns. Share the things you're strong in, and those that you're weak in. Share it all. And you might be surprised what He does with that sharing.

It might seem like nothing. Most days it will seem like just normal, peaceful, presence. But once in awhile, He might surprise you with a "coincidence." Like some great follower of Jesus said, those things that happen might be coincidences, but when you're following God, they just seem to happen a whole lot more often.

It also means being His hands and feet in the world. Yes, He performs miracles without our help sometimes. But usually WE are the way that He works in people's lives. So give Him your body - so that He can use it to love people.

God, thanks for inviting us to share our bodies with You.