Members for Righteousness

We die to sin in baptism, Paul says. Liberated from sin, we are to devote the members of our bodies to God and His righteousness. We already participate in Jesus’ resurrection; His resurrection power is already at work in our bodies (Romans 6).

What might that mean? What does it look like to present the members of our body as instruments of righteousness?

Psalm 15 gives some hints.

Our feet walk perfectly (v. 3) and our hands work righteousness (v. 4).

Our hearts are true (v. 5).

We don’t misuse the tongue (v. 6).

Our eyes make appropriate judgments, despising a reprobate and honoring those who fear the Lord (vv. 9-10).

Our tongues swear and we keep our oaths, even to our own loss (v. 11).

Psalm 15 moves from body parts to body-extensions – the use of wealth. To present our members for righteousness means we don’t charge usury or receive bribes (vv. 12-13).

Other passages can fill out Paul’s exhortation, but Psalm 15 is a good place to start.