The way St Paul describes an obedient life in the sight of God is “…to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work…” (RSV, Colossians 1:10), that is, showing a positive and practical result in one’s daily life by contributing to the true welfare of God’s Church and of the wider world around.

Nevertheless, we have to recognise and accept that an unswerving obedience to God and to his word in a world that is generally hostile to him or denies his existence, will turn the world’s hostility and ridicule against us as well.  As Jesus told his disciples, “…you will be hated by all for my name’s sake” (RSV, Matthew 10:22).  And St Paul for one found that to be all too true.  “…all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus”, he wrote, “will be persecuted” (RSV, 2 Timothy 3:12, our emphasis).