"When in Rome..."

I can't be sure, but it seems to me that the Epistle lesson from this past Sunday might have been the source for the saying "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."

The lesson was verses 5-9 of Romans 14. The entire chapter has a couple of primary points, about choices and judgment. It seems that some people in the Roman church were trying to tell new Christians that they had to behave in certain ways. In particular, they were telling people what they should and should not eat.

This brings up a point that is often given faulty logic within some church bodies and evangelical speakers. "Absolute truth" often leads people to think that every choice has a "right" and a "wrong" answer; an answer God would approve, and an answer He'd disapprove.

I think that's a misunderstanding. There are some choices which have no God-pleasing answer, and some choices which make no difference to God. One can imagine a situation where none of the choices you are provided are God-pleasing, because sin or evil have limited the human possibilities. On the other hand, your spouse asks if you want broccoli or peas with your dinner. I don't think God cares.

Some people want to put certain behaviors into the "God cares" category, but Paul makes it clear that some things -- many things -- are only important to God to the extent that your choice should not be a stumbling block to sharing the love of Christ.

"When in Rome" -- that is, among Gentiles -- "do as the Romans do" so that your behavior does not distract them from the message. This does not give Christians license to sin, but it does command them to ignore fighting the habits and traditions, and stick to the core message. And, further, Paul instructs them to refrain from judging people based on the "small stuff" that is not truly governed by doctrine.

Yes, there is disagreement about whether some actions fall in the "God cares" category. Yet I would hope that more of us Christians could work among our brothers by ignoring the small stuff.

"When in Rome..."