We should be devoted to God because of his mercies (Rom. 12:1), of his goodness (I Sam. 12:24) and because of the call with which he invites us to him. The death of Christ and our redemption should be compelling forces. Our devotedness should be unreserved (Mart 6:24), abounding (I Thess. 4:1), persevering (Luke 1:74,75; Luke 9:62), and in life and death (Rom. 14:8). It should be with our whole being, thus, with our spirit (I Cor. 6:20), with our bodies (Rom. 12:1; I Cor. 6:20), with our members (Rom. 6:12,13), and with our substance (Ex. 22:29; Prov. 3:9). This devotedness we should show by loving God (Deu. 6:5), serving him (I Sam. 12:24; Rom. 12:11), walking worthy of him (I Thess. 2:12), doing all to his glory (I Cor. 10:31); bearing the cross (Mark 8:34), by self-denial (Mark 8:34), and by giving up all for Christ (Matt. 19:21,28,29).
