What does it mean to present our members as instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:13)?

Romans 6:13 says, “Do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God” (NKJV). This verse contains two contrasting commands that encapsulate Christian living. We do not present our members as instruments of unrighteousness, but we do present our members as instruments of righteousness.

Christians should avoid sin and unrighteousness. Jesus died to break sin’s power over us (Romans 6:6). By being united with Christ through the Spirit’s baptism, what happened to Him also becomes true of us (verse 3). Just as Jesus died on the cross, our old selves died. Now that He is raised to life, we, too, are raised (verse 4). Before coming to Christ, we were inclined toward evil and rebellion. Even our attempts at goodness were tainted by self-righteousness. Thanks to Christ’s work, the wages of sin are paid, and we are free to do good for God. We have also been declared righteous. Therefore, we should present our members to God as instruments of righteousness.

The term members refers to the parts of our bodies. Every part of ourselves should be offered to God as an instrument for Him to use for righteousness. The meaning of members can also extend to other aspects of our lives—our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. To “present” oneself involves a deliberate choice and a devotion to a person or cause. An “instrument” is a tool used for a specific purpose, and “righteousness” is what comes from doing right in God’s sight. Presenting our members as instruments of righteousness is, therefore, dedicating ourselves to God and making conscious, daily choices to align with His will. It involves adjusting our thoughts, actions and motives to reflect God’s ways. It is committing ourselves to live like Jesus, rather than living to satisfy our desires.

As we present our members as instruments of righteousness, we reject sin, overcome temptation, and turn from self-centered living. The Holy Spirit empowers us to experience the gospel’s reality. We must actively renounce sinful behaviors, seek help for addictions, and abandon our old, selfish ways. We must also seek a proper knowledge of God’s will. We cannot emulate Jesus if we don’t perceive the world the way He did. We must also devote ourselves to prayer and prioritize edifying entertainment.

In presenting our members as instruments of righteousness, we consciously ensure our choices and decisions align with God’s will. Every member—every body part—is to be used for God’s glory. Our hands were not made for sinning; they were made to serve God. Our feet are not to take us away from God’s will but to run in His paths. Our tongues are not for gossip, lying, slander, or cursing; they are for praising God and edifying others. Hymnwriter Frances Ridley Havergal understood the concept of presenting our members as instruments of righteousness: