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… New Year’s is the time to commit to healthier habits. But for Christ-followers, it’s also a time to consider what spiritual habits 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 and 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 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 is most powerful skills: listening and spending time with people. Make this the year you get to know the people you work with!

Plus, join a community of other Christ-followers with this same spiritual New Year’s resolution of relationship! The iWork4Him Nation Covenant is a personal commitment to live out your faith at work alongside other workplace missionaries!

-       Jim