The last in the series of the St Mary’s Summer Link evenings was entitled ‘Faith at work—living for Christ at work’ and featured three members from the St Mary’s congregation.
The event was held in the church hall and we were welcomed with tea and a variety of scrummy cakes baked by Kate Wheatley who was hosting the evening.
Rob shared insights into his work life, which over the past year had been complex, turbulent, and challenging. He had previously worked for an organisation that underwent a takeover, during which his role changed significantly and moved away from the aspects he had once enjoyed. The position grew increasingly intense and stressful, marked by a toxic culture of finger-pointing rather than shared accountability for successes and failures, ultimately leading to Rob’s decision to leave the company. This decision resulted in a six-month period of unemployment.
It was during this time that Rob began reading ‘The Lord of Psalm 23, Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host’ by David Gibson. This proved to be uplifting and encouraging. The book is an expository study of Psalm 23, which describes the psalm as ‘a poetic depiction of God’s love which epitomises Christ’s goodness and provision as he leads his children. It encourages deep reflection on Christ’s provision, comfort, and eternal strength.’ Rob finished by stating that he is now employed in a new role.
Another speaker was Gracy, who spoke about her role in the pharmaceutical industry. She shared that despite being qualified, experienced, and knowledgeable in her field, she had been overlooked for promotion, even after being encouraged to apply. The feedback she received highlighted the need for her to promote herself in a way that would not align with her Christian values. Gracy explained that this would mean that she would become inwardly focused, and not on Christ, inevitably leading to a sense of discontentment. Gracy shared two Bible verses that she held onto.
Colossians 2:20:
‘You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world?’
Psalm 84:11:
‘For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favour and honour. No good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.’
As I reflected on what each speaker had shared throughout the evening, I began to think about my own career, as well as those of my family—my husband and our three children, now each in their own jobs and careers. I found myself reflecting on how some managers I had known had changed after rising to leadership positions and how their personalities shifted, and how easy it is to get swept along with the prevailing culture. It can be tempting to look the other way in the face of injustice or unfair practices, simply to avoid being labelled a troublemaker and to protect one’s prospects for the next promotion. I’ve seen first-hand how competitive, and at times even ruthless, the workplace can be.
As a Christian, Colossians reminds us that our perspective should be from a biblical worldview where we have a responsibility to be Christ-like, to address injustice, to be truthful, loving, considerate and kind.
Karnie referred to her work in broadcast journalism, suggesting working in this field can focus more on ego than wanting to be a champion for truth. She pointed us to three Bible verses:
Deuteronomy 31:8:
‘The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.’
Romans 2:11:
‘For God does not show favouritism.’
2 Corinthians 12:9:
‘But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.’
We finished the evening with Karnie asking us all to join in the song ‘I am not my own’ by Skye Peterson:
‘And if he has redeemed me, I am not my own
The measure of my worth is his love alone
He declares my standing, and he declares my state
So I will know myself by the name he gave.’
We are not alone—a reminder that true comfort is found in focusing through the lens of a biblical worldview.