If you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 1 Peter 2:20
“Are you still upset that I want to reduce the size of your favorite department?” Evelyn’s manager asked. “No.” She tightened her jaw. She was more frustrated that he seemed to be teasing her about it. She’d been trying to help the company by finding ways to draw in different interest groups, but limited space made this nearly impossible. Evelyn fought back tears, but she made the decision to do whatever her manager asked. Maybe she couldn’t bring about the changes she’d hoped, but she could still do her job to the best of her ability.
In the apostle Peter’s first letter, he urged first-century believers in Jesus to submit “to every human authority” (1 Peter 2:13). Maintaining integrity in a tough work situation isn’t easy. But Peter gives us a reason to continue doing good: “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God” (v. 12). Additionally, this helps us set a godly example for other believers who are watching.
If we’re in a truly abusive work situation, it may be best to leave if at all possible (1 Corinthians 7:21). But in a safe environment, with the Spirit’s help we can continue to do good in our work remembering “this is commendable before God” (1 Peter 2:20). When we submit to authority, we have an opportunity to give others reason to follow and glorify God.
Living Godly Lives in a Pagan Society
11 Dear friends,s I urge you, as foreigners and exiles,t to abstain from sinful desires,u
which wage war against your soul.v
12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong,
they may see your good deedsw and glorify Godx on the day he visits us.
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority:y
whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority,
14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrongz
and to commend those who do right.a
15 For it is God’s willb that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.c
16 Live as free people,d but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil;e live as God’s slaves.f
17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers,g fear God, honor the emperor.h
18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters,i
not only to those who are good and considerate,j but also to those who are harsh.
19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust
suffering because they are conscious of God.k
20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it?
But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.l
21 To thism you were called,n because Christ suffered for you,o
leaving you an example,p that you should follow in his steps.
INSIGHT
- What do you typically do when you’re in a difficult situation under someone else’s authority?
- How might God be trying to work in you through this?
Encouraging believers in Jesus living in an unbelieving and hostile world, Peter exhorted them to live godly lives—to submit to authorities, respect everyone, love fellow believers, fear God, do good works, and persevere when unjustly treated. We’re called to do good and to follow Christ’s example in enduring suffering. Paul made similar calls to live such God-honoring lives in a pagan world in Romans 13:12–14; Philippians 2:15; 1 Thessalonians 4:9–12; and Titus 2:7–8; 3:8, 14. His instructions for the slave-master relationship in Ephesians 6:5–8; Colossians 3:22–24; 1 Timothy 6:1–3; and Titus 2:9–10 would have resonated with Peter’s audience (1 Peter 2:18–21).
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, help me to continue to honor You in my response to those in authority despite the difficult situations I may face. Help me to live each day in a way that glorifies You. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen!!
Read: 1 Peter 2:11-21 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 3-5; Luke 14:25-35
