The Power of Friendship in the Workplace

People often ask me – “Jim, why is friendship a part of the iWork4Him Nation pledge?”.

 For those of you wanting to really make an impact for Christ in the workplace, friendship is a key component.  Jesus demonstrated the importance of friendship time and time again.  He understood the value of friendship in bringing people into a renewed and restored relationship with our Heavenly Father.  Take for example Zacchaeus.  He was a small man but he was curious about Jesus.  Zacchaeus knew that Jesus was a different kind of Rabbi.  Zacchaeus thought that if he could just get a look at Jesus it could make all the difference.  But Jesus knew the power of relationship.  He knew Zacchaeus was curious about him, so Jesus called him out and said “Hey Zacchaeus, let’s go to your house for dinner”.  This was really an invitation to relationship from Jesus to Zacchaeus.  That simple gesture led to Zacchaeus never being the same again.  Later he said. “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”
 
The religious people criticized Jesus for having a relationship with a sinner.  You and I know that religion never attracts anyone to Jesus.  Unconditional love and forgiveness attract people to Jesus.  We can attract people to Jesus through relationship. Jesus knew this and now you do too.  Start befriending those you work around and watch how they become attracted to Jesus in you. (We always encourage you to focus on same gender friendships at work – don’t let the enemy get a foothold in a wrong impression)                             

Friendship is the way to open someone’s heart.

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!