“I have adopted to the culture of every place I’ve gone so that I could more easily win people to Christ”.

I Corinthians 9:22b
 

There’s that saying that says when in Rome, do as the Romans! And it is true that the people we are surrounded by can influence the way that we act, speak, and think. But as Christians, we have to be in the world, but not act as the world to be effective for Christ. 

This can be pretty challenging at times as it is our nature to want to blend in and not stand out. Sometimes we even try to avoid those situations that make us vulnerable because it is so much easier to stay where we are comfortable. But being in this world is not our destination. Being in this world is our mission. And in order to fulfill our mission, we must sometimes become uncomforatable.

When Paul wrote Romans, he was preparing them for his visit. Romans appears to be more of a theological letter presenting the facts and foundations about the Gospel – that we are “saved by grace through faith”, (Ephesians 2:8), declaring our freedom from the power of sin that comes from being saved, explaining how we all fit into God’s plan, and teaching us how to live in submission to Christ. 

But years later, it was in a Roman prison that Paul truly exemplified his freedom in Christ. This is where we learn that our circumstances in this world – who and what we are surrounded by – does not dictate our effectiveness for God. Despite the fact that Paul was imprisoned, his greatest concern was for the people of the world. To the Ephesians he wrote to strengthen the believers. To the Philippians he shared the joys of suffering, serving, believing, and giving. To the Colossians, he taught them how to “live wisely in the world among those who are unbelievers, and make the most of every opportunity, letting your conversations be gracious and attractive so that you have the right response to everyone”, (Colossians 4:5-6), and in Philemon, Paul intercedes for a friend for forgiveness and unity from another. 

So yes, when Paul was in Rome he had to suffer the fate they gave him. And sometimes when we are in “Rome”, we must do life the way of the Romans as well. But not in a way that influences us. We do life with the Romans in a way to influence them. “When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.” (1 Corinthians 9:22-23 NLT)

Who have you been avoiding who may need God’s grace in their life? When can you schedule a time to share life with them, find common ground, and live wisely by their side.