Life in Christ calls for obedience and fidelity. Paul insisted that once a person was baptized, he/she was held to a higher standard. He/she has to leave old ways of life behind. He instructed the people to present themselves to God as 'instruments of righteousness.' Sin would no longer have power over the baptized because they were under God's grace and righteousness. We too are called to harmonize ourselves with God's righteousness rather than following the way of the world.

Jesus urged his followers to be watchful and faithful. The early Christians expected that Jesus would return within their lifetime, so they had to be vigilant. Jesus could return at any moment. We realize that many years have passed since Jesus was crucified but we too must take seriously his words to be watchful and faithful to his teachings. We know God's will and that following it leads to abundant life. Let us live each day as if it were the day of the Lord's return.