God’s foundational love gives us security to connect with others
Day Three
Tuesday, January 9
Connecting with Co-Workers
By Tim Wittman
Connecting with a coworker can be as easy and straightforward, or as tricky and complicated as we make it out to be. But suppose we step back and look at how we connect with friends outside of our work. In that case, we can discover what contributed to those relationships growing. Then, we can apply those same techniques to our coworkers.
We tend to make connections where there is:
1. Routine in schedule
2. Shared interest or circumstance
These two things are the foundation for the most meaningful connections we make with others. Whether at the gym, coffee shop, church, school, etc., the connections you make begin with these two points (whether we realize it or not). So, in the workplace (where we spend an amount of time that rivals that of the time we spend with our families), the foundation is already there for connections to be made! But initiating the connection is often the most challenging part of most things.
A simple truth toward making these connections in the workplace
Have the mindset of the 2 greatest commandments. We are commanded, not merely suggested, but commanded to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:31). And then we are given the second commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:32).
The order in which the commandments are listed is critical to living these truths with our Coworkers. When (if) we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, that will absolutely change how we love others who are also created in His image. This is a change in mission, mindset, and perspective. But God’s foundational love gives us security to connect with others (even when there is anxiety over these connections).
It is easy for us to fear making meaningful connections with our coworkers. It can be easy to shrink back and stay to ourselves at our work. But the Lord has a plan and purpose for your interactions. So, love others in light of the love for the Lord. He will establish your steps and lead you. It will be refreshing to your soul, and you will never regret doing so when He is the driving motive (Prov. 3:5-8).
Daily Challenge
May my actions reflect your compassion, kindness, and forgiveness, and may my words bring comfort, encouragement, and hope to those around me. Help me to be a peacemaker, working to resolve conflicts and build bridges of understanding and unity in the workplace. Give me the courage to speak up for what is right and stand for justice and fairness. Use me to shine your light and bring glory to your name in the workplace. Amen.
Amen
Some Ways to Help You Connect With Your Coworkers
- Pray and ask the Lord for opportunities to make connections, recognizing it may take time to cultivate connections. Ask also for the strength and help to act on these opportunities presented to you.
- Ask a coworker, “How are you?” or “Do anything interesting this weekend?”. Make this a habit every few days to cultivate this connection.
- Thank the Lord for opportunities presented and acted on, and ask that He will help cultivate a meaningful connection for His namesake.
