1 Peter 2:18-20 – Christian behavior in working with tough bosses

In these verses, Peter focused on slaves in the believers’ fellowship. It was very likely that there were more slaves than masters among his readers, so he wrote to tell them about their relationship with their masters. He exhorted them to adopt an attitude of respectful submission to them regardless of how their masters were treating them. In other words, whether the masters treat them gently or harshly or unreasonably, the way to respond would still be, to be respectful toward them.

In verse 19, we are told that when slaves respond respectfully toward their master despite suffering unjustly, they would find favor with God. And because this was God’s prescribed manner, it would be a good enough reason for slaves to comply. As they consciously pleased God by bearing up with their hardship and suffering, their conscience toward God would remain intact.  

Peter painted two scenarios for the readers’ consideration. It is one thing to be treated harshly when one has done wrong, and has to suffer and endure the wrong and the mistake that he made. But it would be quite another if he was being treated harshly when he had done right, and he had to suffer for it. It is in the second scenario that he would receive God’s approval when he endures the harsh treatment of the master.

How do we apply these biblical injunctions of Peter? None of us are slaves in the true sense of the word. But we are all employees and have to report to some immediate superiors and employers. They can be seen as equivalent to the masters whose treatment we will have to endure. Let’s live with a clear conscience before God by acting right in our work, so that we give them no cause to malign us unnecessarily. But should we have an unreasonable one, just explain our action as best as situations allow but leave God to vindicate us. There’s really no point to tear out our hair just because of their unreasonableness.

Bear in mind that while happiness may keep us pleasant, it is trials that will keep us strong. We must know that while sorrows will keep us human, it is failures that will keep us humble. And success may keep us glowing, but know that it is faith in God that will keep us growing and going.

Beloved, let us do what we can and leave God to do what we cannot. He will vindicate us in due course for He is our true and ultimate boss. In both pleasant and unpleasant encounters God will use them to mold and perfect us. Let’s endure them for God’s sake!