Christians and Bad Bosses: Trusting God in Unjust Workplaces

Christians and Bad Bosses: Trusting God in Unjust Workplaces
1 Peter 2:18-25

What do you do when you’ve got a bad boss? A scoundrel, a nitwit, a downright jerk? As Christians, how should we act—or even think—in that situation? I’ll be honest: my natural self doesn’t like the answer. As an American, with rugged individualism baked into my bones, I want to shout, “You can’t tell me what to do! I’m my own boss!” Our culture cheers that on, telling us no one can stand in our way. But God’s Word, through 1 Peter 2:18-25, challenges us to align with His truth, not our instincts. Let’s dive in and see how we can honor God, even under a harsh boss.

Peter writes, “Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust” (v. 18). At first glance, this feels like a call to be a doormat—just take the abuse and smile. But that’s not Peter’s point. This passage isn’t about weakness; it’s about trusting God’s sovereignty in tough workplaces. Let’s unpack it.

Understanding the Context
Peter addresses “servants” (Greek: oiketes, household slaves), but his words apply to anyone under authority, like employees today. In the first century, slavery was common, though different from the horrific system in America’s past. Slaves often held skilled roles—managers, doctors, teachers—and Roman laws regulated their treatment. Still, their service was involuntary, and some faced harsh masters. Peter’s call to submit wasn’t an endorsement of slavery (Scripture never calls it God’s design) but a recognition that transformation starts with changed hearts, not overturned systems. Christianity’s influence eventually helped end slavery by reshaping society from within.

For us, Peter’s instruction applies to bosses—good or “unjust.” The Greek word for unjust, skolios, means crooked or harsh. Maybe your boss overlooks your hard work, passes you over for promotions because you don’t join the after-hours drinks, or mocks your faith. Everything in you screams, “This isn’t fair!” So, what do you do?

God’s Design for Submission
Peter says, “This is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly” (v. 19). The key is being “mindful of God.” God has ordained spheres of authority—government, marriage, and yes, workplaces. Your boss has authority to lead, and your role is submission, not because they’re always right, but because God is. When treated unfairly, we don’t take matters into our own hands. Why? Because we trust “him who judges justly” (v. 23). God sees every injustice, every motive, every action. He’s bigger than your boss, and He’ll make all things right in His time.

Does this mean you never appeal? No. You can respectfully challenge unfair treatment, as Jesus and Paul did (John 8; Acts 25). But first, check your heart: Are you seeking God’s glory or your own rights? Second, examine yourself: Did you contribute to the issue by ignoring reasonable instructions? Third, remember unbelievers are watching. Storming into your boss’s office with a tirade won’t point them to Jesus. Instead, your respectful conduct can “silence the ignorance of foolish people” (2:15).

Following Jesus’ Example
Peter points us to Jesus: “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return… but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (v. 23). Jesus faced lies, mockery, and a cross, yet He didn’t lash out. He trusted God. Peter echoes Isaiah 53, the Suffering Servant, to show us the pattern to trace. Like students tracing letters to learn writing, we trace Jesus’ steps—honest, patient, trusting God amid suffering.

Why endure this? Because Jesus “bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (v. 24). His wounds heal our souls, empowering us to say no to sinful reactions and yes to righteousness. When your boss is unfair, pray for their repentance, not their ruin. Your transformed response glorifies God and shines as a witness.

Trusting the Shepherd
Peter closes with hope: “You were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” (v. 25). Jesus watches over you. No matter the injustice, He’s tender, kind, and sovereign. A story illustrates this: A Christian boy endured a wrongful beating from his unbelieving father, who thought he lied about attending a prayer meeting. The boy’s quiet endurance led his father to learn the truth, break in conviction, and come to Christ. God can bring beauty from ashes.

So, under a bad boss, be mindful of God. Trust His justice. Follow Jesus’ example. Your faith will grow, and your witness will shine. Rest in the Shepherd who sees you and will one day set all things right.