When I joined the United States Peace Corps, I was fresh out of college. I was wide eyed. The next stage of my life was just beginning.
I was sent to Philadelphia for two weeks of orientation and psychological testing. There was a full FBI background check run on me. Agents even showed up in my little hometown to check out my character.
During orientation the Peace Corps informed me of something I never thought about. When you live in a foreign country you surrender your rights as a United States Citizen and become subject to the rules and laws of the country you will be living in. I may have the right to own land in the USA but not where I will be living. I may have freedom of movement in the USA but not where I will be living.
It was hard to surrender certain rights I had enjoyed and taken for granted all my life. However, that was the price I would have to pay if I wanted to live in Iran.
As Christians we have many rights. The Apostle Paul said if we eat meat that has been offered to an idol it is not sin. However, if eating that meat causes another to sin, I need to willingly surrender my rights for the benefit of someone else. We need to be willing to surrender our personal preferences for the Gospel. “Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.” 1 Corinthians 9:19 NIV
Leave a Reply