In Romans 12:1, the apostle Paul applied the truths of what he had already written to the followers of Jesus in Rome. He said, "Present your bodies a living sacrifice." He also urged us to keep our bodies from sinning and to avoid the world's corruption by renewing our minds (v.2).

We are often told to give our hearts or our lives to Christ. So why did Paul call attention to our bodies?

If we are to carry out God's will, it will be with our bodies. Every pastor has members who say, "I won't be in the service next Sunday; we'll be up at the lake. But I'll be there in spirit." Unfortunately, the "spirit" will contribute nothing to the atmosphere of praise and worship.

We also offer God our bodies as a response to His love. The body is a gift worthy of God.

Consider the value of the human hand. The brilliant surgeon Dr. Paul Brand, in describing operations performed on the hand, said, "I don't know of a single operation anyone has devised that has succeeded in improving a normal hand. It's beautiful."

This Christmas, give God something beautiful. Offer Him not just your heart, but your hands, body, spirit, mind-your entire being!  — Haddon W. Robinson