May 24
Serving
with Grace
"Slaves, in the same way be faithful to your masters. Show them full respect. Serve them so that they will not speak evil things against God. That’s true whether they are good and kind or not."
1 Peter 2:18 (NIrV)
Elijah adjusted his tie in the elevator, bracing himself for another day under Violet’s leadership. She was infamous in the office for her razor-sharp critiques and impossible standards. No one escaped her scrutiny, and Elijah, new to the team, had quickly become a target.
"Elijah," she had said just last week, "your report lacked detail. Are you even trying?" The words had stung, especially since he had stayed late to ensure every section was accurate.
Elijah felt the same frustration his coworkers did. Many complained about Violet's micromanagement and dismissive tone. Some had even started deliberately slacking off, claiming, "Why bother trying when she'll criticize anyway?" Elijah understood their feelings, but he couldn’t shake a sense of responsibility as a Christian. Wasn’t he supposed to approach challenges differently?
One afternoon, Violet called Elijah into her office. "This spreadsheet," she said, waving it in the air, "is unacceptable. Redo it. And next time, pay attention to details."
Elijah clenched his fists as he walked back to his desk. "Why is she like this?" he muttered under his breath. He wanted to confront her or join his colleagues in venting their frustration.
That evening, Elijah shared his struggle with his small group at church. One member read 1 Peter 2:18, and it pierced Elijah's heart. The group encouraged him to pray for Violet, to serve her with integrity, and to trust God to work in her heart.
The next day, Elijah came to work determined to live out his faith. He greeted Violet warmly, even though she barely acknowledged him. When she criticized his work again, he resisted the urge to argue and instead calmly asked how he could improve.
As weeks went by, something remarkable began to happen. Violet softened slightly, even offering a rare compliment on one of Elijah's reports. More importantly, Elijah noticed a change in himself. His bitterness was replaced with peace, knowing he was serving God through his work, not just his boss.
One evening, as Violet passed his desk, she paused. "Elijah, I’ve noticed you handle feedback differently than most. Why is that?"
Elijah smiled. "I believe my work reflects my faith, so I try to approach it with respect and humility, no matter the challenges."
Violet didn’t respond immediately, but the conversation lingered with her. While it didn’t transform her overnight, Elijah’s attitude planted a seed.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding us that our work is an opportunity to honor You.
Help us to serve with humility and respect, even in difficult circumstances.
Lord, we pray for those in authority over us, like Violet, that You would guide their hearts and actions.
Give us strength to respond with grace when we feel wronged and to be a reflection of Your love in challenging environments.
May our actions draw others closer to You.
Thank You for being our ultimate Master, whose love and kindness never fail.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
