April 18, 2022 – Our Daily Bread Devotional | ODB Devotional Message for Easter Monday was written By Julie Schwab (Our Daily Bread Ministries).
Read Our Daily Bread Today Devotional for 18 April 2022 and Be Filled With God’s Word.
Our Daily Bread 18th April 2022 TOPIC: Witness in the Workplace
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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 2:11–21
KEY VERSE: If you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. – 1 Peter 2:20
BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Samuel 3–5; Luke 14:25–35
April 18, 2022 – Our Daily Bread Devotional INSIGHT: Encouraging believers in Jesus living in an unbelieving and hostile world, Peter exhorted them to live godly lives—to submit to authorities, respect everyone, love fellow believers, fear God, do good works, and persevere when unjustly treated. We’re called to do good and to follow Christ’s example in enduring suffering. Paul made similar calls to live such God-honoring lives in a pagan world in Romans 13:12–14; Philippians 2:15; 1 Thessalonians 4:9–12; and Titus 2:7–8; 3:8, 14. His instructions for the slave-master relationship in Ephesians 6:5–8; Colossians 3:22–24; 1 Timothy 6:1–3; and Titus 2:9–10 would have resonated with Peter’s audience (1 Peter 2:18–21).
READ: April 17, 2022 – Our Daily Bread Devotional | This Changes Everything
April 18, 2022 – Our Daily Bread Devotional Message for Monday
“Are you still upset that I want to reduce the size of your favorite department?” Evelyn’s manager asked. “No.” She tightened her jaw. She was more frustrated that he seemed to be teasing her about it. She’d been trying to help the company by finding ways to draw in different interest groups, but limited space made this nearly impossible. Evelyn fought back tears, but she made the decision to do whatever her manager asked. Maybe she couldn’t bring about the changes she’d hoped, but she could still do her job to the best of her ability.
In the apostle Peter’s first letter, he urged first-century believers in Jesus to submit “to every human authority” (1 Peter 2:13). Maintaining integrity in a tough work situation isn’t easy. But Peter gives us a reason to continue doing good: “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God” (v. 12). Additionally, this helps us set a godly example for other believers who are watching.
If we’re in a truly abusive work situation, it may be best to leave if at all possible (1 Corinthians 7:21). But in a safe environment, with the Spirit’s help we can continue to do good in our work remembering “this is commendable before God” (1 Peter 2:20). When we submit to authority, we have an opportunity to give others reason to follow and glorify God.
Reflect & Pray
What do you typically do when you’re in a difficult situation under someone else’s authority? How might God be trying to work in you through this?
Heavenly Father, help me to continue to honor You in my response to those in authority despite the difficult situations I may face. Help me to live each day in a way that glorifies You.
READ ALSO: April 16, 2022 – Our Daily Bread Devotional | Not So
April 18, 2022 – Our Daily Bread Devotional | ODB Devotional Message For Easter Monday. Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODB) is a Christian organization founded by Dr. Martin De Haan in 1938. It is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with over 600 employees. It produces several devotional publications, including Our Daily Bread. our daily bread booklet.