18 You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect.[a] Do what they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. 19 For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. 20 Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.

1 Peter 2:18-20 (NASB) 中文 

Submit applied to work

James is on a topic of submission to authority. He’s just told us to submit to and honor the king or ruler and to fear God. He now continues this and zooms down to the work situation. Specifically, we’re instructed to submit to masters. In those days, slaves were a common role in society. Today, we could apply this to our work situations (where sometimes we may feel like slaves and the masters cruel). 

Great example

What example comes to mind when you consider this verse? If it’s Joseph in the OT, we’re thinking the same. Yes, he was unjustly treated by his brothers and sold into slavery that landed him in Egypt. He was bought by Potipher. Because he served well, and God was with him, he was blessed and promoted. But then he was thrown into jail on a false charge. But even there, he was blessed for his character and God was with him.

Suffering for wrong

What about the suffering for doing wrong? In reality, we all do wrong and should suffer for it. We have all sinned against God and death and separation from God is what we are due (Romans 3:23). There is no one who is righteous, no not one (Romans 3:10). We all deserve to suffer. Think of all the wrong we’ve done that’s never been caught (by men), for which we’ve never paid a penalty or suffered a consequence. God’s mercy is great – to not give us what we deserve.

Suffering for good

And who is the best example here? Who did what was right, in obedience, and suffered the greatest of suffering? Not just physical but emotional (all his friends deserted him) and He was rejected by His own Father. Yes, Jesus. When we are tempted to complain or give in or even give up, we can look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. It was for the joy that was before Him that He endured the cross and despised its shame. He is now seated on His throne. We, too, as we endure, are destined for rewards in Heaven.

RЯeflection

• In what ways are you struggling in your work situation now? Is your work a heavy burden? Do you feel that your leader(s) are putting unrealistic expectations on you? Look to Jesus and ask for help and also wisdom. Consider how He can shape and mold you in this situation. 
• Work needs to be balanced with life, especially our spiritual life. If it is draining the life out of us and stealing our time from worship and service to God, we should pray for help and wisdom to make necessary changes. God gives mercy and grace. The Holy Spirit gives comfort.