Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. (1 Pet 2:18-19)
How could the apostle Peter possibly encourage servants to treat unjust masters “with all respect”? That’s a tough question revolving around an even tougher situation, but the answer isn’t tough to find.
…when, mindful of God…
I’m not a servant and you’re not a master, but what difference could it make if we looked at today through that same “mindful of God” lens?
- I’m going into this meeting, mindful of God
- I’m engaging in this crucial conversation, mindful of God
- I’m eating lunch, mindful of God
- I’m prioritizing my calendar, mindful of God
- I’m enduring through heartache, mindful of God
- I’m handling frustrations, mindful of God
- I’m offering encouragement, mindful of God
- I’m processing criticism, mindful of God
- I’m traveling on business, away from my family, mindful of God
- I’m seeking to be a peacemaker, mindful of God
- I’m sitting in traffic, mindful of God
- I’m opening the door of my house after an exhausting day of work, mindful of God
It is a humble thing, “when, mindful of God,“ we count others as more significant than ourselves. It is a gentle thing, “when, mindful of God,“ we continue to serve even though our service is unappreciated. It is a gracious thing, “when, mindful of God,“ we treat others, even the unjust, the way we would like to be treated.
“Mindful of God” reminds us of how unworthy we are.
“Mindful of God” helps us stay sensitive to how much we’ve been forgiven.
“Mindful of God” keeps us desperate for ongoing grace.
“Mindful of God” leaves the outcome in better hands than our own.
“Mindful of God” is a choice.
What impact might it have on your life and the lives of others if you made that choice today?