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. I believe it’s because of one simple thing: It portrayed the types of relationships that all of us wish we had at work. It’s easy to fantasize about a perfect workplace and think that if you only worked for Google or maybe for Apple, things would be great. Magically, you would have fun on the job and you would be innovating all day long. You would have meaningful relationships with coworkers that would just spontaneously develop. However, I want you to know that there is no magic formula specific to these environments that makes this possible. 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 work. It can be 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 you can have this. As a Christian, it may be God’s call on your life to be the first to cultivate a sense of family in your work environment. 

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 only for title, position, and money, you will become a beacon of stability and light as you refuse to play the power game, and simply relax in the goodness and sufficiency of Jesus. As you allow Him to fight your battles and make following His lead your primary concern, others will be drawn to you. You will develop meaningful relationships, 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!