"...as the Romans, do"
When in Rome, do... (when in a strange or different situation) it's best to behave (even if badly) like those around you - a great example of why these expressions endure for thousands of years: they are extremely efficient descriptions; they cram so much meaning into so few words. This expression originates from the Bible, when St Ambrose answers a question from St Augustine about what day he should fast, as different customs prevail in different cities. St Ambrose replies 'When I am in Milan, I do as they do in Milan; but when I go to Rome, I do as Rome does'. www.businessballs.com/clichesorigins.htm
Now here is the dilemma - should we? I myself have touted this phrase and it sounds perfectly reasonable in light of respectfulness and consideration. But upon closer examination, one needs to be careful as to how this is applied. It was such living that led to Lot's lot in life. The Jews were caught in this very same quandry when Jesus responded to them “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s” Matthew 22:21. The reality is that we are in Rome, but not citizens; sojourners abroad, but homeward bound. That leaves us with a responsibility to obey the laws of the land, but to hold God as our supreme authority. So one would have to apply when in Rome accordingly. There are scriptures that are crucially applicable to making decisions such as Colossians 2:15-17; 1 Corinthians 8:1-11 among many. When in Rome, we need to live just as we would would at home as did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the Book of Daniel (chapter 3). We are here as witnesses and ambassadors. Ultimately the only question we need answer is "What would Jesus do?" and you'll have your answer.
So when in Rome, remember: “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s”.
Now here is the dilemma - should we? I myself have touted this phrase and it sounds perfectly reasonable in light of respectfulness and consideration. But upon closer examination, one needs to be careful as to how this is applied. It was such living that led to Lot's lot in life. The Jews were caught in this very same quandry when Jesus responded to them “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s” Matthew 22:21. The reality is that we are in Rome, but not citizens; sojourners abroad, but homeward bound. That leaves us with a responsibility to obey the laws of the land, but to hold God as our supreme authority. So one would have to apply when in Rome accordingly. There are scriptures that are crucially applicable to making decisions such as Colossians 2:15-17; 1 Corinthians 8:1-11 among many. When in Rome, we need to live just as we would would at home as did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the Book of Daniel (chapter 3). We are here as witnesses and ambassadors. Ultimately the only question we need answer is "What would Jesus do?" and you'll have your answer.
So when in Rome, remember: “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s”.
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