Romans 12 is a chapter chock full of practical living advice for followers of Jesus. Unlike the previous chapters in Romans, the point here is pretty simple and straightforward. As those who have received God's mercy in Jesus, we should be living sacrifices. We should present ourselves as thank offerings to God, giving all of our lives to His service. Chapter 12 details how that happens. It lists the virtues and behaviors that show a thankful attitude and obedience toward God.
In the midst of all that is an interesting piece of instruction. In the second half of verse 17, Paul writes: "Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody." I remember the first time that verse jumped off the page at me. I thought it had to be a mistake. This seemed the exact opposite of what I learned about living the Christian life. I had been taught that the Christian life was typically about avoiding the way that most people thought was right. Most people think it okay to get drunk. Most people think it is okay to have sex outside of marriage. Most people think it is okay to cheat on your taxes. As Christians, others may think those things are right. But we are not to do those things. How can Paul say be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody? My father- wise man that he was- told me not to worry about what others think. Paul seems to suggest the very opposite.
What does Paul really mean here? I think Paul is teaching us that we need to observe all the courtesies and common decencies of our culture so that we might be at peace with others and be good representatives of Christ. He certainly is not saying that the majority should set our morality. But he is saying that common politeness should be a component of our Christian living. Let me give an example. As Christians, I think we should do our best to be on time people. We should try to avoid being late. In our culture (for now at least), being on time is considered a social grace. It is a behavior that most in our culture would consider valuable and good. And so, to "live at peace with everyone," we should try to be on time. The admonition to "do what is right in the eyes of everybody" calls us to be people of manners and social grace for the sake of peace and Christ's reputation.
What examples can others think of when it comes to doing "what is right in the eyes of everybody?"
Every Letter, Every Pen Stroke (Matthew 5:18)
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