Peter's Pen 1 Peter 2:18_19

1Pe 2:18-19 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. First, let us note that the word here translated “servants” means a domestic servant and not a slave. We can think of it in terms of an employee although it wasn’t exactly that. But – they were workers for some form of compensation and usually highly trusted. They were considered part of the “household” which was just short of being family members. Peter calls us to be respectful servants – to good or bad bosses. Ooph, that’s a tough one – right? Especially in these tough times where being employed is something we cling to and the demands of the economy require we do more with and for less. But, the Holy Spirit is not unaware and does not want us to be unprepared. We are told quite plainly here that God is aware that we have sorrows and unjust suffering at the hands of good or bad bosses. Good bosses, in this economy, can’t pay more when there is no more but they appreciate us all the more for that. Bad bosses sometimes won’t pay more (even if they can) because they are seeking to buffer themselves. Bad bosses are also at a loss when it comes to appreciating the conditions under which we work. We are called to be “gracious.” To be subject with all respect regardless of the type of boss (master) we have. Notice we are not called to do more than that for which we were hired (even though we may have to at times). But we are called to submit respectfully as much as we are able – it is never respectful to help a boss in a sin. My job requires me to get involved in a lot of employee/boss relationships. I have seen sacrificial bosses and slime bosses. I have seen wise bosses and clueless bosses. And I’ve seen the same on the other side – the employee side. What God is calling us to here is to be Christlike at work regardless of our bosses. Oops – there goes the back-biting and water-cooler attacks. This isn’t just about how we treat or respond to the boss. It is also about how we speak about the boss. When everyone else is griping and plotting and wishing for retribution – we don’t get to play! Sorry, respect is respect is respect whether to the bosses face or behind his/her back. Why? Well, assume you have unredeemed workmates. What are you doing when you join them in their heated complaints and their taking shots at the boss? Aren’t you encouraging their misery? Aren’t you condoning their rebellion? Worse still, are you not giving cause for the name of Christ to be sullied? Are you not acting as if you were not redeemed? And how will the message of sin and redemption seem if you have opportunity to share it? Will they be prone to believe your testimony when you have joined their murmuring? No, we can’t (yeah, I said can’t) be a part of attacks on anyone. Why? Because our God tells us not to – isn’t that reason enough. What would happen if, when asked about some “boss” related matter you responded with grace and respect? What if you simply said something like, “Yes, times are tough and (Mr./Ms.) Boss can be (or is) difficult but my faith does not allow me to tear anyone down. I don’t agree with XXXX but I am none-the-less required by my beliefs to do my job and be respectful.” Yeah, like we’re really gonna do that!! But why not? What have you got to lose? Oh, that’s right, they’ll think you are on the boss’ side. But when did it become a matter of conflict? Where did the war come from? Why is it that we get all self-righteous about loving the sinner except when it is our boss? Why is it ok to snipe at our employer – supervisor – etc.? At the very least, we have to walk away from disrespectful conversations about anyone (even nasty bosses). First, we do not know their hearts. Second, we do not know their real circumstances. Third, we are to be no less a light to them than to any other “gentile.” We are to: 1. Be mindful of God; and 2. Be graciously respectful (gracious when they don’t “deserve” it). Now, I don’t know exactly what it will look like in your circumstances – that needs to be a matter of prayer and study – even seeking counsel. But I do know it needs to be there. For His sake. For your sake. For the sake of your boss. For the sake of those you work with. Those things I know! Michael moms@tc2v1.com