“For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.” 1 Peter 2:15-16
When Christians live out their faith, they prove that the world’s slanderous accusations are false. Christians are free from forced obedience to the Law; nonetheless, they voluntarily use their freedom in service to others.
“Cover-up for evil” means that freedom from the Law’s demands does not excuse sinful behavior.
“Live as God’s slaves” means our actions are not to be motivated by the Law but by the love of God.
“God’s will” indicates the authority backing Peter’s command for obedience is the God of the universe, the Ruler over all citizens and governments and over all Christians and non-Christians.
“Silence” indicates our actions should make our accusers speechless, like a muzzle placed over their mouths.
“Ignorant talk of foolish people” indicates that the world is totally in the dark when it comes to recognizing the hand of God at work.
In addition, how should Christians react to injustices in the workplace? Healthy confrontation may be called for, and there is a time to claim one’s own rights or stand up for the rights of others. For example, Jesus gave us instructions on how to deal with a believer in sin in Matthew 18:15–17, and Paul appealed to Caesar when he realized that justice was being withheld from him.
On the other hand, there is also a time to quietly suffer injustice as a matter of testimony, as Peter indicates here. Paul discouraged lawsuits among believers for the sake of their testimony. Either way, Christians should never just ignore injustice. We may decide to quit if our employer is grossly unjust. But we should do so not out of cowardice or an unwillingness to endure hardship, but to honor Christ or else to find a constructive, godly alternative elsewhere.
God’s blessings on your day…