Have you ever had a boss who made you feel valued — not just for what you could produce, but for who you are? Pastor Josh White shared a story this morning about his first “good boss” — a man named Rob McCullough who supervised him at a fast-food restaurant in Spokane, Washington. Rob knew Josh was a believer heading to Bible college, and he treated him with respect beyond just the job description. That relationship left a deep impression.
But then Josh flipped the question on us: if all your past bosses lined up and were asked to name their best employees, would you make their list?
That’s the heart of 1 Peter 2:18-25. Peter writes to believers — many of them slaves living under Roman masters — telling them to be submissive to their bosses, not just the good ones, but the unjust ones too. It’s a passage that can feel uncomfortable in our modern context, but its application cuts right to the heart of what it means to work as a follower of Christ.
Your Work Ethic Is One of Your Greatest Testimonies
Most of us don’t sit around thinking of work as a witnessing opportunity. We think of evangelism as something we say — street preaching, door knocking, awkward conversations. But Peter 2:15 says it plainly: “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.”
Doing good. Being a blessing to your employer, your clients, your coworkers. Showing up on time, working with integrity, doing more than what’s required. That is, in itself, a powerful testimony.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
— Colossians 3:23-24
Josh shared a story from his college days working at IHOP with two roommates — all three attended Grace Bible College. They became known as “the Bible Boys” not because they preached at work, but because they showed up, had good attitudes, didn’t steal, and did their jobs faithfully. At the end of the semester, the owner told them: “You’ll always have a job here. Anyone from Grace Bible College can work here just based on your work.”
That’s the kind of testimony that opens doors for the gospel. Not arguing or fighting for your rights, but quietly outperforming expectations because your ultimate Boss is in heaven.
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”
— Philippians 2:14-16
When You Suffer for Doing Good, God’s Grace Flows
But what about when your boss doesn’t deserve your loyalty? What about when the work environment is rough, the pay is unfair, or your efforts go unrecognized? Peter says there’s grace for that too.
“For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.”
— 1 Peter 2:20
When we do good and suffer for it, God doesn’t leave us empty-handed. James 1:2-12 tells us to “count it all joy” when we face trials of various kinds, because the testing of our faith produces steadfastness — and steadfastness, fully developed, makes us “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
God grows us through difficult work environments. He teaches us to rely on His power rather than our own strength:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
The Ultimate Example: Christ Himself
Peter doesn’t leave us without a model. After calling us to endure unjust suffering, he points us to Jesus:
“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.”
— 1 Peter 2:21-23
Christ suffered unjustly — the perfect, sinless Son of God beaten and crucified — not as punishment for His own sin, but for ours. He bore our sins in His body on the tree so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds, we have been healed.
If the sovereign King of the universe can endure injustice from the people He created, we can certainly endure a difficult boss, a tough season at work, or an unfair workplace situation. Not with complaining, but with quiet trust and faithful labor.
So What Does This Look Like?
Josh closed with a practical challenge: Go to your boss this week and ask, “Is there anything else I can do to make your job easier?”
Not in a sycophantic, eye-service way — but because you’re genuinely trying to be a blessing. Most bosses have never heard an employee ask that question. The conversation might surprise them. It might open a door to naturally share why you work the way you do — not just for a paycheck, but because Christ has called you to this.
Whether you manage employees, own a business, work for someone else, or serve clients from home — there is always someone who benefits from your faithful labor. Do good. Be the best employee you can be. Shine as a light in the workplace. That’s one of the greatest testimonies you have for the truth of the gospel.
Scripture References
- 1 Peter 2:18-25 — Submission and suffering as a servant
- Colossians 3:23-24 — Working heartily as for the Lord
- Philippians 2:14-16 — Shine as lights without grumbling
- Matthew 5:14-16 — Let your light shine before others
- James 1:2-12 — Count it all joy, trials produce steadfastness
- 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 — God’s power made perfect in weakness
- Ephesians 6:5-9 — Bondservants obey earthly masters