The Difference Between Fruit and Results

Devotional — The Difference Between Fruit and Results

Theme: What Success Really Is to God

Key Verse

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Central (Transforming) Biblical Principle

For God, success isn’t about the results we can count, but the fruit He produces in us as we abide in Christ: Christlike character + faithful obedience.

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23)
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” (1 Corinthians 3:6–7)

Fruit vs. Results — what’s the difference?

Results: what we do and can measure (numbers, goals, applause, deliverables, status). They can happen without inner transformation.

“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36)
Fruit: who we are and what God produces in and through us (character, love, faithfulness, obedience, people maturing in Christ). It endures in time and eternity.

“By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:16)

Bible example: Jonah saw results (Nineveh repented), but his heart resisted God’s heart (Jonah 4). Gifts and impact without the fruit of the Spirit do not equal success.

“If I have not love, I am nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:1–3)

How God defines success

Faithfulness before visibility

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)
Success = being faithful with what God entrusted, not being famous for what we achieved.
Obedience before performance

“To obey is better than sacrifice.” (1 Samuel 15:22)
Success = obeying today, even when no one sees.
Heart before appearance

“People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
Success = a heart aligned with the Father, not a polished image.
Eternal before immediate

“We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)
Success = what remains when the spotlights go out.

Three dangers of chasing only results

The idolatry of productivity — trading intimacy for output.

“Apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
Toxic comparison — valuing ourselves by others’ numbers.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)
‘Spiritual’ shortcuts — using God to reach our goals instead of using our goals to honor God.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’…” (Matthew 7:21–23)

How to cultivate fruit (not just results)

Abide in Christ daily (Word + prayer + quick obedience).

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you…” (John 15:7)
Walk by the Spirit (a practical surrender of control).

“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)
Live in community (confessing, giving account, encouraging).

“Consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24–25)
Be faithful in the small (where fruit is forged).

“Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much.” (Luke 16:10)

Indicators of “success” in God’s eyes (self-examination)

More Christlikeness than six months ago? (Galatians 4:19)
Practical love growing at home and work? (John 13:35)
Immediate obedience when the Spirit convicts? (James 1:22)
Peace and joy not tied to circumstances? (Romans 14:17)
People being discipled and established in Christ, not just “reached”? (Matthew 28:19–20)

A simple path (7 days to realign the heart)

Day 1 – Surrender: John 15:1–8. Pray: “Father, prune me to bear fruit.”
Day 2 – Heart: Psalm 139:23–24. List areas to yield.
Day 3 – Practical love: 1 Corinthians 13:4–7. Choose to love someone difficult today.
Day 4 – Obedience: 1 Samuel 15:22. Do that delayed obedience.
Day 5 – Community: Hebrews 10:24–25. Seek accountability.
Day 6 – Mission: 1 Corinthians 3:6–7. Plant/water in someone; let God give growth.
Day 7 – Rest: Matthew 11:28–30. Rest in grace; celebrate what God did in you.

Reflection questions (deep)

If Jesus audited my life today, would He celebrate my numbers or my character more? Why? (Matthew 7:16; 1 Corinthians 13:1–3)
Where am I chasing ‘results’ to compensate for a lack of abiding in Christ? What needs pruning? (John 15:2; Hebrews 12:1)

Prayer

“Father, save me from the lure of results without fruit. Align my heart with Jesus. Teach me to abide, obey, and love. May the fruit of the Spirit grow in me, and may what I do reflect what You are doing within me. Give me joy in being a faithful servant, even if no one applauds, and courage for the pruning that brings life. In Jesus’ name, amen.” (Galatians 5:22–23; Matthew 25:21)

Verses to memorize this week

John 15:5: “Whoever remains in me… bears much fruit.”
1 Corinthians 3:7: “Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”
Matthew 25:21: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Galatians 5:22–23: “The fruit of the Spirit is…”

One-sentence summary: Success, to God, is Christ formed in you—and from that, everything else blooming in due season.