Our religion should be more than just giving lip-service to a set of beliefs. Our actions in the course of everyday life should be proof of the things we say we believe. In view of this, how should a Christian servant act towards his employer? The Apostle Peter answers this question when he writes, “Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the wicked. For it is commendable if someone endures pain, suffering unjustly, because of conscience toward God. For what glory is it if, when you sin, you patiently endure beating? But if, when you do well, you patiently endure suffering, this is commendable with God.” (1 Peter 2:18-20)
This translation says that servants should submit to their masters with fear. But the Greek word that Peter uses has several meanings. Here it cannot mean fear because Jesus instructed his followers not to fear men. He said, “I tell you, my friends, don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom you should fear. Fear him, who after he has killed, has power to cast into Gehenna. [that is, hell] Yes, I tell you, fear him.” (Luke 12:4-5) In view of this, what Peter is saying is that servants should serve their masters with respect or reverence rather than fear.
But some of the masters Peter mentions were cruel and abusive. In such circumstances why should a servant put up with it? Why not leave and take a different job? The answer is that the word Peter uses for servant indicates that at least some of them were slaves. It was impossible for them to leave their situation. But even if a person is not a slave it still may not be possible for him to leave a job where he is abused and mistreated because of economic or other adverse conditions.
Peter gives at least three reasons why a follower of Christ should respectfully submit to an abusive master. The first reason for respectful submission is that a Christian is conscious of God (verse 19). What this means is that a follower of Jesus always keeps in mind who his real master is. Even though he is under the authority of an earthly master, his real master is God. Peter had already instructed his readers in verse 16 to live, “…as bondservants of God.” When a Christian serves he is not merely working for another person, but for God. This agrees with what the Apostle Paul writes about our service to earthly masters. He says, “not in the way of service only when eyes are on you, as men pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men; knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive the same again from the Lord, whether he is bound or free.” (Ephesians 6:6-8) If we can regard our work as service to God, it will be much easier to endure wrong treatment.
Another reason Peter gives for respectfully submitting to an abusive master is that this is commendable with God. To endure unjust suffering is really an act of faith. Instead of trying to get justice by taking revenge by ourselves, we place ourselves in God’s hands. He is the judge, and when we respectfully submit to injustice we are acknowledging that He will do justice.
A third reason to endure unjust suffering at the hands of an abusive master is that when we do so we are following the example of Jesus. In verses 21 through 23 Peter writes, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps, who did not sin, “neither was deceit found in his mouth.” Who, when he was cursed, didn’t curse back. When he suffered, didn’t threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously.”
Peter says that the Christian servant has been called. Called to what? There are several answers given in Scripture to this question. But all of them can be summarized by saying that God has called each Christian to be like Christ. As it is written, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Whom he predestined, those he also called…” (Romans 8:28-30) In view of this we can say that while a Christian servant has not been called for the purpose of suffering, he has been called to respond like Jesus when unjust suffering occurs.
We tend to think that if someone suffers they must have done something to deserve it. But Peter reminds us that this is not always the case. Jesus suffered more than most of us will ever have to, yet Peter quotes the prophet Isaiah to establish the fact that Jesus was without sin. If we should have to suffer unjustly can we follow Jesus’ example of entrusting ourselves to God who will judge justly?
In chapter 1, verse 19 Peter referred to Jesus as a sacrificial lamb. But in chapter 2, verses 24 and 25 Peter changes the picture. He writes, “who his own self bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed. For you were going astray like sheep; but now have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” With these words Peter brings to mind what Jesus said about himself, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep… I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and I’m known by my own… Therefore the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again.” (John 10:11-17) The reason the followers of Jesus, that is His sheep, can face unjust suffering with confidence is that their shepherd knows their situation and has demonstrated His ability to safely guide them through it.