Before Augustine traveled from Milan to Rome, he shared a problem with Ambrose. As a young priest, Augustine wanted to know what he should do about celebrating the Sabbath. Rome celebrated the Lord’s Day on Sunday, while Milan celebrated on Saturday. The discrepancy confused Augustine and caused him to take up the matter with Ambrose. The elder priest offered this solution: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
Many of us take this famous phrase and apply it inappropriately.
One of two things will happen. Either you will change your culture, or your culture will change you. Too often, when around those who are outside the faith or not working their recovery program, we try to fit in. We talk like the Romans and live like the Romans. When in Rome, we do as the Romans do.
God has different plans for you. He wants you to live on a higher level. “Be transformed by the renewal of your minds” (Romans 12:2).
Recovery Step: Don’t emulate the Romans. Emulate Christ.
