Building relationships with my co-workers
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It's January, and in the classic western tradition, most of us are thinking about things we can change to make this year better than the last. Whether it's eating healthier, going to bed earlier, or hitting the gym, the new year is the time to commit to healthier habits.
But for Christ-followers, it's also a time to consider what spiritualhabits should be cultivated in our lives so that our faith can grow and make a powerful, eternal impact.
In Matthew 28:19, Jesus told His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations,"and this is what He asks His followers to do today as well.
But how do we carry out this Great Commission in our everyday lives? How do we make disciples of every coworker, customer and vendor?
To make a disciple, to some degree, requires a relationship.
Relationships give us a platform to speak about truth, share our experiences, and witness about Christ. And there is almost no one you spend more time with than the people you work with. So many people joke about having a "work family" and a "home family," but the truth isn't that far off.
Since we spend an average of 72 hours a week sleeping and 50 hours a week working, that only leaves 40 hours a week with our families at home.
That means you spend more time at work than you do at home, including Saturdays and Sundays. Yet, so often, our relationships at work are shallow.
Make it your resolution this year to truly get to know those you work alongside.
Invite a group of coworkers out to lunch, have your employees over to your house for dinner, or host a game night with people from the office. Whatever it looks like, make the purpose of the gathering to get to know each other outside of the context of work.
Listen to each other's stories, try to understand where people came from and where they want to go. When you show a genuine interest in someone, they will usually open up to you.
This is a great way to put your faith in action by learning one of Jesus' most powerful skills: listening and spending time with people. Make this the year you get to know the people you work with!
 | Jim Brangenberg is an established leader in the faith and work movement who has over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur and business owner. In 2013, God called him and his wife, Martha, to begin the iWork4Him Talk Show, where they have had the privilege of challenging thousands across the globe with the simple message that your workplace is your mission field. In addition, he and Martha have co-authored a series of collaborative books, iWork4Him, sheWorks4Him, and iRetire4Him. Learn More » |
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