At Workmatters, we take seriously the fact that we spend over half our lives at work, and work is a deeply formative experience. The question isn’t, “Am I being formed at work?” but rather, “How am I being formed at work?” Or, as the Apostle Paul might ask, am I being “conformed to the pattern of this world or being transformed by the renewing of my mind.”

One of the reasons Workmatters exists is to help you cultivate an openness to God in your work which puts you in a posture to welcome everything you experience there as an opportunity to become more like Christ.

But it’s not just about you.

We also believe that at our work we can join the Holy Spirit and be part of the spiritual formation of others.

Since the beginning of the story, we see God’s heart to pursue humanity. On the heels of the first humans’ original rebellion God asks three questions; “Where are you?” (Gen 3:9) “Who told you that you were naked?” (Gen 3:11) and “What is this you have done?” (Gen 3:13) These are not questions to locate them geography or interrogate their intentions. These were asked by a loving Father on a quest for reconciliation. He was calling them out of the bushes to be restored relationally.

And He still does!

Work provides us at least three clear opportunities to participate in the spiritual formation of our colleagues, customers, and clients.

1. Be curious. So often we feel pressure to come up with some clever way to talk about our faith with the people we work with (often accompanied by crippling guilt if we don’t). But our self-revealing, ever-pursuing God is having conversations with the people we work with. We can join Him in those conversations by paying attention to their ‘tells.’ ‘Tells’ are glimmers of self-disclosure that we can ask questions about and discover what God might be up to in their lives.
2. Be mindful of your attitude and work ethic. Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven.” Our attitude, our effort, and our actual work should point people to our Father in heaven. In other words, the way we work is to be a testimony to our devotion to God, love for our neighbor, and desire to bring renewal to the world. People notice that.
3. Be ready. Peter’s wisdom is as sound today as it ever was. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:15). It is reasonable to expect that if we are living curious and mindful lives at work, the door will open for us to respond to the inner stirrings of our coworkers. Be prepared to share your story for when that time comes.