Bible Study Notes

We’ve all seen people who don’t get much accomplished in life and are constantly expending effort with no results. Interestingly, these are often the same people with a bad attitude who tend to complain a lot. By contrast, the people who accomplish the most tend to be thankful and grateful. This is no accident; being truly effective requires an awareness of the link between thankfulness and enhanced productivity.

The world tells us to stay busy. Whatever it is, we’re strongly urged to “do” something—anything—to make it look like we’re accomplishing a thing. However, no matter how occupied we get, we can’t accomplish our own salvation. Thankfully, Jesus has already accomplished it for us. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8, ESV)

There’s a difference between acts of faith and doing things through self-effort. We don’t have to work hard to create our own accomplishments; God already has plenty for us to do. This may be something monumental that affects many lives, or it may be a series of small things, such as curbing a gossiping tongue, being less critical of others, or complaining less. Maintaining a grateful heart as we knock each task off the list increases our productivity. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17).

Once we get a handle on what may seem small but is actually very important to God, He can begin using us more efficiently. There’s a great need to reach people for the kingdom, and God wants to work through us to accomplish this. During His ministry, Jesus had compassion for the lost souls who didn’t know God. “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields’” (Matthew 9:36-38, NLT). This is still true today, and we are the workers.

We’ve been charged with sharing God’s Word and making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). This is the Great Commission; however, it’s impossible to carry out this mission without the Holy Spirit’s help. It’s critical for us to accomplish this; He therefore reminds us that we’ve been made the righteousness of God without any striving on our own part. Believing in our heavenly Father’s love, mercy, and unconditional acceptance of us inspires thankfulness, and frees us up to do His work with the proper motivation.  

There’s a difference between busy work and actually getting something accomplished. What Jesus did for us on the cross gives meaning, purpose, and focus to everything we do. We may not completely understand the power behind it with our logical minds, but faith in this enables us to go far beyond our own limited capabilities.

God wants us to be fruitful and productive; He also wants us to have a thankful heart. Agreeing with His Word allows us to be tremendously effective. Working purposefully, and letting Him be the one to give us that purpose, empowers us to accomplish a great deal. “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people” (Colossians 3:23, NLT). When He’s speaking through our vocal cords and thinking through our minds, there’s no stopping us.  

God’s favor touches a believer’s life on many different levels. It not only changes our final destination after our time on earth is done, but it also has a tremendous impact on our lives right now. It sets us apart from the world and gives us the ability to accomplish much more than others can, with no self-effort. Being in Christ gives us an increased capacity to make a difference in the lives of others; this is something we can be fervently thankful for.

There’s a dark side to being effective for the kingdom of God, however; it draws the attention of Satan, who steps up his efforts to target us and take us out of the picture. Killing us—or at least disabling us so that we can’t do God’s work—would make his job much easier. Thankfully, Jesus specifically gave us His promise of protection. “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:19, 20). There’s plenty to do; the more progress we make toward fulfilling our mission, the more we shut down the enemy.  

There’s a world of people who need God’s mercy, grace, and forgiveness. We’ve been empowered to speak His Word into their lives and bring Jesus to them; we’re able to make our lives into living epistles by what we say and how we conduct ourselves. When the devil sees us successfully accomplishing God’s tasks, he’ll sling fear at us, attack our emotions, and do anything to stop us. We can be grateful that he has already lost the battle. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over” (Psalm 23:4, 5).

The enemy’s tactics include lying to us, working through family members, friends, and loved ones to bring us down, and even arranging for health issues or physical harm to come to us. Evil things never happen accidentally; they’re supernaturally arranged by demonic forces. Despite that, none of those things can touch the person who trusts in God to watch over them. “But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you” (2 Thessalonians 3:3, 4, NKJV).

Abraham, known for his great faith, had plenty to be thankful for. Though he accomplished much, his greatest accomplishments came not through his own efforts, but through his obedience to God’s directives. When he went to battle against armies that greatly outnumbered him, God protected him and gave him an outstanding victory. Abraham responded with gratitude. “‘And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you’” (Genesis 14:20, NLT).

Like Abraham, we can have complete confidence in God’s commitment to protect us. He’ll never let the enemy touch His children; being in Him is the safest place to be. This kind of divine protection is cause for great celebration and joy.