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.