Our Daily Bread DEVOTIONAL | Witness in the Workplace | 18 April 2022 (Monday)
Our Daily Bread DEVOTIONAL TODAY
ODB TOPIC : Witness in the Workplace
ODB Devotional Message
18 April 2022 for Easter Monday was written By Julie Schwab
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 2:11–21
KEY VERSE: If you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. – 1 Peter 2:20
BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Samuel 3–5; Luke 14:25–35
Our Daily Bread 18 April 2022 (Monday) INSIGHT: 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)
Our Daily Bread 18 April 2022 (Monday) Devotional Message
“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.
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Our Daily Bread 18 April 2022 (Monday) Devotion Message
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. So, 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.
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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.
Reflect & Pray
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?
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.
