Did you ever watch the show “The Office”? Although it ended in 2013, it became one of the most successful shows in American television history, and I believe it’s because of one simple thing — it portrayed the types of relationships that we all wish we had at work. It’s easy to fantasize about a perfect workplace and think that if you were only employed by Google or maybe Apple, things would be great. Magically, you would have fun on the job, you would be innovating all day long, and meaningful relationships with coworkers would just spontaneously develop. However, I don’t believe there is a magic formula specific to these places that creates a great atmosphere (although certain factors may help). The reality is that good working relationships can happen anywhere, and they might just start with you!

You see, the deepest human need is to bond with others. Yes, we want to have deep and meaningful connections with our closest friends and family, but it’s also important to have relationships with those we spend our time with at our places of work, whether an office, school, church or volunteer organization. Since you devote so much of your life to your job, it’s vital to have people there who care about you and will be there for you when you’re going through a hard time. You may think this is impossible, but I want to assert to you today that not only is it possible, but that as a Christian, it may be God’s call on your life to cultivate it. 

Friend, you can be a peacemaker, a joy-bringer, and a servant leader, even in an atmosphere that is competitive and dog eat dog! While others strive for title, position, and money, you will become a beacon of stability and light as you cease posturing, refuse to play the power game, and simply relax in the goodness and sufficiency of Jesus. When you allow Him to fight your battles and make following His lead your primary concern, others will be drawn to you, meaningful relationships will find you, and the rest of it (wealth & promotion) will be added to you. Bring the relaxed goodness of Jesus to your job today and watch how it transforms your environment!