After Jesus' resurrection, the early Christians believed Jesus would return to judge the world. However, Jesus did not return immediately as anticipated. So, some Christians began to doubt that Jesus would return; they began to falter and turn toward sin. Jesus consistently teaches readiness and preparedness. Jesus encourages us to live as faithful servants. He will return and at a moment we are not expecting.

Yet, how specifically should we act? Paul describes two aspects. First, "do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires" (12:12). More profoundly, "offer every part of yourself to Him [God] as an instrument of righteousness" (12:13).

We all have faced temptations. Evil can be attractive at times. Yet, if we give in to evil, it will eventually make us its slaves and ruin our lives. Instead, we are to offer ourselves wholly to God-ask the Lord to lead our daily actions, words and decisions. Surrendering like this may be risky. In letting Jesus lead, however, we become truly free. When we are open to Christ's guidance in daily life, we find direction, protection and providential blessing. If we choose to become instruments of God, we draw closer to eternal life. The Lord knows our capacity. He does not demand perfection, but presence. He asks not for grand gestures, but for daily fidelity.