A Lie About Labor
- Dr. Chip Roper
- Aug 29
- 2 min read
At VOCA, we're obsessed with your work–specifically, how it finds its proper place and reaches its full potential in your life. We see this as a spiritual mandate from a God who has planned good work for each of us to do (Ephesians 2:10). This connection between God and normal work in the world is rejected by the vast majority of Americans. Part of my labor is to understand why. In this Labor Day 2025 message, we'll report how we know this, suggest some of the lies that might be underneath the facts, and point toward a better way forward.
The Facts
In our proprietary research executed in partnership with Barna, we found the following:
Only 4% of Americans use spiritual resources of any type when facing a work-related challenge.
Only 9% of practicing Christians use a spiritual resource.
More people turn to themselves than to God when navigating their work journey.
Anecdotally, I've heard brothers and sisters in the faith repeatedly say things like "God's too busy to care about that," "Business is business, faith is faith," and "Faith practices don't work in the competitive world of my industry."
Underlying Falsehoods
What might be fueling this workplace atheism?
"God doesn't care about me." This lie whispers that you're too small, your problems too mundane for the Creator's attention.
"God doesn't care about this part of my life." This deception compartmentalizes faith, suggesting God only shows up on Sundays.
"I'm better off keeping God out of my work life." This falsehood assumes faith is a liability rather than your greatest asset.
A Better Way
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7
God is real and active. He goes where he's wanted (and even where he's not invited from time to time). The truth is this: your work matters to God because you matter to God. Every challenge you face, every decision you make, every relationship you navigate–it's all sacred ground when offered to Him.
This Labor Day, don't just celebrate work–invite God into it. Pray dangerous prayers about your career. Start processing your most significant challenge with prayer, scripture, and wise counsel. Stop believing the lie that you're on your own.
Your work is too important to do without Him.
Sign up to be the first to hear about VOCA AiSD, our new AI tool that helps you process your daily work with God’s wisdom–coming later this year.
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