Jesus and the Daily Grind
For Sally Crowther, soaking up the sun on the duckpond lawn and negotiating assignments at the University of Wollongong is all but a distant memory. These days, she is a genuine working girl, communting daily to the CBD. An environmental consultant, Sally has recently switched companies, but it isn’t climbing the career ladder she’s interested in. Sally spoke with The Page about why she’s so passionate about Christians in the workplace, and her excitement about starting her new job.
How does your Christian life impact your work life?
I am pretty careful with the hours that I work. Many people work quite long hours in the office, however I try and leave by 5.30 every day to ensure I have enough time to spend with God, my husband and also for Christian ministry and other friends and family.
Whilst my Christian faith may place some limitations on my commitment to my job in terms of hours spent in the office, I am always seeking to work "As if working for the Lord", and am encouraged immensely in the daily routine of work by the following verses:
"Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:22-24
I am praying for my colleagues, not as much as I would like to be, but praying for the salvation of your colleagues certainly changes your work life by giving you a purpose far greater than career success or just earning money. I have just started a new job and am excited to see what work God has in store for me, I'm really keen to be His co-worker in this place.
What are the particular challenges you have faced as a Christian in your workplace?
In terms of challenges as a Christian they have mostly been internal, i.e. my own fears of being rejected by my peers for sharing my faith. But I'm also surprised sometimes to feel like I'm back at high school again. In my experience the most popular people in the office are those who get wasted at the office parties, have a good drunken story to tell after each weekend and who gossip about all their coworkers! I've found it hard to build relationships without this basis to fall back on, but I know that this is not the way God wants me to live my life or the way He wants me to relate to my colleagues.
Have you got any advice for Uni students thinking about their careers?
Realise that God can use you wherever you are. Whilst full-time ministry and overseas ministry are fantastic opportunities for Christians - the secular work force is also a huge mission field. I pray that there will be more and more Christians being bold in the work force, sharing with co-workers about their life and Jesus, not just telling people they go to church (which is the trap I so often fall into) but actually showing them that Jesus makes a difference in their life!
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