“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, so that you obey its desires. And do not offer any parts of it to sin as weapons for unrighteousness. But as those who are alive from the dead, offer yourselves to God, and all the parts of yourselves to God as weapons for righteousness.” (Romans 6:12-13)
The word translated as “weapon” here can also be translated as implement, utensil, tool, instrument or armor. The idea of a tool that is “offensive for war” fits well with the theme woven throughout Scripture of spiritual warfare and the idea of righteousness versus unrighteousness—but it’s interesting to insert the word that makes the most sense for you. Perhaps you better understand the idea of tools being used to build a structure that is safe versus one that isn’t. Or the thought of kitchen utensils being used to make unhealthy food versus food that nourishes.
In all cases, the exact same implements are used, but for entirely opposite purposes and outcomes.
We only get one body, that lasts only so long—and we have been given the freedom to make the choices about how, when, where and why we use it. I find myself challenged by these verses to be more intentional about those choices, asking more often the searching question: will this action further the cause of righteousness…or not?
P.S. See this original post for info about this photo challenge and more about this reading plan I’m using this summer for the book of Romans (and I’d love to have you join in!)!
“[Abraham] did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise 
“The righteousness of God 
Memory verse: “
“For I am not ashamed
“What then? If some were unfaithful, will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? Absolutely not! Let God be true, even though everyone is a liar…” (Romans 3:3-4)
“For [God’s] invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made. As a result, people are without excuse. “ 
In some places in the country, I’m seeing pictures of blossoming peach orchards, daffodils and greening grass. On the first day of spring here, it snowed in the morning—and then a bitter wind spent the rest of the day kicking all that snow up into the air in great billowing clouds, forcing us to plow the driveway due to drifting. If you live here, too, you’re not surprised or alarmed. It’s a typical Minnesota weather move.
Much as we’d sometimes like it to be, spring just isn’t a day on the calendar for us. It’s no short, sweet announcement. Instead, it’s a slow thing, that creeps up, teases, eludes. But still, watching spring unfold, painfully slow but sure, gives me hope—which is something we all need a little bit more of right now.
W
Rejoicing Hills 