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, customer, and vendor, especially when our jobs seem redundant, boring, stressful, or frustrating? 

 I believe that to carry out the great commission IN our workplace, we have to resolve to change WHO we work for. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” 

 When we realize that ultimately, it’s not our bosses or their bosses or their bosses that we work for, but that we work for God, it changes everything. Our paradigm shifts to a new understanding because our ultimate employer, the one who arranges the very work that we do, is our Heavenly Father, and we would never deliver garbage work to God. So why do we do it for our earthly employers? 

 One of the notable markings of a true believer at work is the attitude and quality of excellence in completing their work. When you work with excellence and don’t lord it over others, your work stands out and is noticed - not so that you can bring glory to yourself, but so that you can remind people that even in a rough work environment, you work for God and your work matters to Him! 

 Our excellence, no matter the situation, screams our faith is genuine. So, the next time you feel like slacking off at work (not that you ever do), remember that your ultimate employer, boss, and provider is your heavenly father. Let excellence be the platform that launches an opportunity for a faith-filled conversation in 2022!

 Plus, I personally want to invite you to join a community of other Christ-followers with the same spiritual New Year’s resolution of praying for their coworkers by name, building relationships, not taking fine for an answer, and working with excellence unto the Lord. Take the challenge and join the  iWork4Him Nation Covenant. 

 -       Jim