November 10, 2010
1 Peter 2
Pastor Paul Glenn
Have you ever had a harsh or difficult boss? Over the years, I have experienced a few managers who were more than competent at making life difficult. One actually gave me a nickname that he intended as disparaging.
In 1 Peter 2:18-21, we receive instructions regarding our attitudes and actions related to difficult employers. Since these verses would often rather be rationalized away by the modern Western church, we may say that “The Apostle Paul was talking about slavery, which no longer exists.” Instead, let’s challenge that copout and dig in for a moment.
While these verses do discuss slavery and masters, their modern-day application relates to interactions with our employers or managers - regardless of whether they are kind or harsh. Verse 20 tells us that there is no particular virtue in accepting punishment that we deserve. We should accept it and take our lumps.
Verse 19 informs us that what counts with God is putting up with undeserved treatment, because we are mindful of Him. However, it is verse 21 that really challenges my thinking and upsets my Western “apple cart.”: “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.” Wait a minute! Didn’t someone tell me years ago that Christianity was all fun and games…blessings and favor?
While God grants favor and blessings in the midst of ALL circumstances, it does not mean that every day is a walk through Candy Land. Here is the truth: Christ lived a life of undeserved suffering, and you and I have been called to live according to His example.
Let’s determine that we will properly submit and treat our bosses with respect, because God’s Word teaches that it is commendable.
When asked about a historical figure (not from the Bible) that he would most like to meet, Grace Covenant’s Executive Pastor for Administration and Finance identified Abraham Lincoln from whom he would like to “hear first hand his decision process to appoint cabinet officials who openly and politically disagreed with him,” as well as “how he endured the stress of leading in a time of internal strife and war.”
