“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution … Live as people who are free not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God … Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.”  I Peter 2: 13-18.

We are called to be subject/submissive to the authorities that have been placed above us, such as government authorities and workplace bosses, whether they are just or not.  Further, we are not to rebel in our hearts against the authorities that have been placed over us or over our situation in life that we find ourselves called to but to find contentment with our lot in life through Christ.

Even slaves were counseled to not rebel against their masters, although they could certainly seek legal opportunities to gain their freedom.  “Were you a slave when called?  Do not be concerned about it.  (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity) … So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.” I Corinthians 7: 21-24.  The key is to remain in our called condition “with God”.  Our contentment is dependent on our relationship with God and maintaining a close walk with Him and not on our situation in life.  “Not that I am speaking of being in need for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content … I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. ” (Phil 4: 11-13).

This does not let the wicked or unjust masters/authorities off of the hook but simply leaves it to God to judge them.  That is God’s responsibility and not ours.  We do have a responsibility to speak out against wrongs that we see but even then with a respectful, submissive attitude.

God is much more concerned about our relationship with Him than our situation in life.   A Christian is free in Christ but also willingly a bondservant to Him.  This includes submitting to authorities and being content with the life God has given us.  “For he who was called in the Lord as a slave is a freedman of the Lord.  Likewise, he who was free when called is a slave of Christ.” I Corinthians 7:22.