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Presented by Lauren Stibgen
How are your relationships at work or the relationships between the members of your team? Whether you work in an office, hybrid, or remote, relationships matter. And it doesn’t matter what position you hold. Manager, subordinate, or peer, you have an opportunity to create peace at work.
What causes anxiety in work relationships? The disciples of Jesus argued on more than one occasion about who was the greatest. Consider how Jesus, their leader, addressed them each time. In Luke 9:46-48, the Word tells us an argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. Jesus brings forth a child and tells them: For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest (Luke 9:48b).
Later, in Luke 22, after the institution of the Lord’s supper, the Word says: A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest (Luke 22:24). Jesus, again directs the disciples, telling them that: Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves (Luke 22:26).
Competition in the office can create a great deal of tension between team members. How can you display an attitude of service to others? Can you take opportunities to be a champion of teamwork that allows everyone to win? While we may not experience direct disagreements between people about being the best, what is your personal posture about your position at work?
Do you approach your position with humility or pride? Are you an I colleague or a we member of the team?
This doesn’t mean you aren’t accomplishing things that move your career forward, but it does mean achievement is balanced in your success. If you are knocking others down to get where you want to be, this is surely not peace-giving to your work environment.
And what about comparison? The disciples were surely comparing themselves to one another. We also see this comparison between Mary and Martha in Luke 10: 38-42. Martha is busy running around cleaning and cooking and preparing for Jesus and the disciples, and Mary is sitting at the feet of Jesus, learning. Jesus tells Martha that Mary is choosing the right action in the moment. I can almost feel Martha’s anxiety in this moment. If you are always worrying about what others around you are doing, you are sure to drive yourself crazy! How can you find peace in doing your very best today?