18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
(ESV)
STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?
- What is the writer saying?
- How do I apply this to my life?
Peter continues his instruction on how Christians should live in society, now focussing on servants. What Peter says to servants has application for those in the workplace, school, and university as well.
We are to work in submission to those over us and show them respect whether they are good and gentle or unjust. We must serve our employers with the reverence and willingness with which we serve God (Col 3:23-24). A bad boss is not an excuse for a bad attitude or work ethic. We must submit to those over us with our minds fixed on God, knowing He is present. We receive no credit for patiently enduring punishment if it is deserved. But it is commendable before God if we are patient and exhibit a good attitude when suffering for doing good. We have an opportunity to show God’s grace when suffering quietly as Jesus did. Peter says we were called for this purpose—to suffer as Christ did. He left us an example for us to follow. He committed no sin in action or word before or during His suffering. He didn’t retaliate in any way but instead continually entrusted Himself to the Father who judges justly and even prayed for their forgiveness (Luke 23:34). Jesus took our sins on Himself when He was crucified so that we might die to sin and not live for ourselves, but for righteousness. Jesus’ death bought us spiritual healing. Jesus’ death brought us back under the care and protection of the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls. Jesus cares and provides for believers who depend on Him, even when we suffer unjustly.
Thankfully none of us work in conditions that could be considered slavery or even unjust. Yet we can grumble quite easily when we think our employer is less than for us. How differently would you be at work if you truly believed your work was for God and not for men. How can you be a dispenser of God’s grace at work or school today?
Major Stories of the Bible Reading Plan
Zechariah’s Visions: Zechariah 1-2