Suffering Wrongfully
Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth. I Peter 1:18-22
Peter, in today’s text addresses Christian slaves. The word “servants” refers to household servants, which in the Roman Empire was normally a slave. There were some exceptions as there were some who were hired hands. We could compare them with today’s Christian employees. The Christian servant in that day just as Christian employees today would be under the watchful eye of the Lord. If we recognize this truth, we would find ourselves doing better work and more work than those who have not been born again. This would tend to make those who are born again unpopular.
To those who were household servants, God’s Word in verse 18 says to “be subject.” It is the same word translated “submit” in verse 13. Peter’s exhortation would have no bearing upon a household servant who was not born again or today for an employee who is not a Christian. It is somewhat natural for an unsaved person to get as much as he can for doing as little as he can. However, a saved person is NOT NATURAL, BUT SUPERNATURAL. If you are doing your work under the watchful eye of the Lord, you will find yourself doing more work than the unsaved person.
Years ago, when I was a student at Bob Jones University, near graduation time, there were representatives from the big 8 accounting firms to interview graduating students. The students were known for their excellent training, but also for their honesty and integrity. There were many businesses looking for conscientious, honest workmen who could be trusted for their reliability and integrity.
When Peter commanded household servants to be subject to their masters with all fear, this was not a slavish fear but a fear of respect. Respect is a word that is greatly disappearing from our nation these days. Indeed, other words are disappearing as well – honesty, modesty, decency, and others. There was a phrase common during the time of the Judges that describes our times today. Every man did that which was right in his own eyes (Judges 21:25).
Verses 19 and 20 explains why household servants and employees ought to submit. If you suffer wrongfully, it may be because you are conscience of your relationship and your responsibility toward God – a conscientious employee. Others may be doing wrong things, but you cannot honestly do that before God.
As a child, did you ever use this phrase before your parents – “But everybody is doing it!” This is how many feel in the office, store or factory. One businessman lost a promotion to someone who was far less qualified simply because he did not contribute toward buying liquor for the office party. A man who set up pages for some popular magazines suddenly was faced with doing layouts for a porn magazine. He refused and was fired. To make a long story short, one year later he was the vice president of a large bank. Yes, God takes care of his own, but the President of the bank heard of his integrity and asked for that man to come and work for him.
Application: STAND FIRM. Yes, if you would have cheated or donated money for the liquor party, you might have gotten a raise or a promotion. By standing true to the Lord, you suffered wrongfully. You recognize that your promotion is eternal in nature. However, if you suffer wrongfully, you can take your matter to the Lord, Who Himself suffered wrongfully at the hands of mankind. Often, the Lord will do something very special in your life and you already know that He meets our needs as we are faithful to Him. Be careful here, because if you suffer for not doing your work or because of a bad attitude, you cannot blame that on the Lord.
If you work for an employer who is disagreeable, profane, and difficult to work with, and you respond in a godly way, this will influence the unsaved boss and perhaps others. It may open doors for you to share your faith and see someone else trust Christ.
Two Biblical Instructions that always apply:
- Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (I Corinthians 10:31).
- Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).
For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently, this is acceptable with God (I Peter 2:20). If you deserved it, take it patiently for you had it coming to you. But if you did not deserve it, God has a way of taking care of His own. Trust Him and always do what is right regardless of what others are doing. Memorize the two biblical instructions above and apply them in every situation of life.
George Stiekes serves as a Lay Pastor at Bethany Bible Church in Hendersonville, NC. See here for a more complete bio of brother Stiekes extensive ministry. We republish his material by permission.
Photo by Fabian Albert on Unsplash