Forced Fruit

Releasing the Need to Control Results

Have you ever found yourself disappointed—not because of your effort or dedication, but because the results didn’t match your expectations? I recently preached a sermon exploring the "effects" of our spiritual gifts, and as I prepared, I couldn't shake how deeply this relates to the heart of ReLeadership. It stirred me enough that I felt compelled to unpack it further here.

In 1 Corinthians 12:6, Paul writes, “There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.” This passage introduces a subtle yet profound principle: while we’re gifted by God and placed strategically by Him, the results—the effects—are ultimately His alone to control.

We often mistakenly assume that having a gift guarantees specific results, especially in today's world obsessed with immediate and measurable success. Think of it like planting an apple tree: you don’t get to decide how many apples it produces, how many seeds are inside those apples, or who ends up eating the fruit. You’re responsible for planting, watering, and nurturing—but only God controls the harvest. This is especially hard in a world that constantly pressures us to "force fruit" and measure success by likes, shares, applause, or instant results. But leadership—especially ReLeadership—is a long obedience in the same direction. But what if our job isn't measuring the fruit but faithfully planting seeds? What if effectiveness isn't about immediate results but about trusting God to handle the outcomes? As ReLeaders, our greatest challenge—and perhaps our highest calling—is surrendering control of the effects.

Here are four types of control that will sabotage your calling if left unchecked:

The Trap of Image Control

The temptation to manage the appearance of fruitfulness is pervasive. We convince ourselves, "If it doesn’t look fruitful, no one will believe in my gift." So, we stage success—carefully curated social media, embellished resumes, picture-perfect family outings on Facebook, or exaggerated achievements at work. We carefully arrange camera angles, stage lighting, and selective cropping to make rooms appear full, crafting an illusion of revival, growth, and unmistakable success. We fear the vulnerability of authentic fruitfulness, preferring instead the security of illusion.

This struggle is hardly new. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5) tragically illustrate the destructive nature of image control. They wanted the appearance of generosity without genuine sacrifice. Image control leads us down a path where comparison, manipulation, and even abuse thrive.

As ReLeaders, our power lies in authenticity. True leadership isn't staging fruit; it’s honestly planting seeds, trusting God for authentic growth, even if that growth isn't immediately visible.

The Rush of Timeline Control

"The results are taking too long. I'm stepping in." How many times have we thought this, moving hastily to expedite outcomes God intended to slowly mature?

Saul rushed his sacrifice when Samuel was delayed, costing him his calling. Abraham and Sarah, impatient with God's promise, produced Ishmael instead of waiting for Isaac, bringing pain instead of blessing.

The outcome of timeline control is shallow fruit—attractive on the outside, yet empty within. It might look ripe, but it rarely nourishes. God doesn't microwave His plans; He slow-cooks them. As ReLeaders, we must patiently nurture the seeds, faithfully trusting God’s timeline.

The Lure of Credit Control

Sometimes our gift yields incredible results, and pride whispers, "This success proves how special I am." Suddenly, we're building monuments instead of ministries, prioritizing brand over Kingdom.

King Uzziah exemplifies this. Gifted by God with profound success, he fell victim to pride (2 Chronicles 26). Gideon, the humble servant, eventually built a monument to himself, turning victory into a snare (Judges 8).

Our role as ReLeaders isn't securing recognition but stewarding faithfully. Faithfulness in obscurity is just as holy—perhaps more so—than visibility. Our gifts thrive when we humbly acknowledge their source and credit their results to God alone.

The Grip of Outcome Control

Outcome control insists, "If the results aren't what I expect, I'll hold back." Jonah vividly illustrates this attitude. After delivering his message to Nineveh, Jonah was upset when the city repented and was spared, because the outcome didn't match his own desires. His frustration shows how our desire for control can overshadow our obedience.

Consider the pressure you might feel when delivering a presentation at work—hoping for a promotion, recognition, or applause. Or think about raising children, where you diligently invest love and guidance yet can't control who they'll become or how they'll use your lessons. The same applies to your teaching or mentoring gifts; you can't dictate the exact impact or measure the depth of your influence. Especially today, with social media amplifying our desire for immediate validation, we often fall into the trap of trying to force outcomes—manipulating conditions, chasing metrics, or curating results to ensure maximum visibility.

Outcome control tempts us to hold our gifts hostage, waiting for ideal conditions or guaranteed success. Yet true leadership isn’t about controlling results—it’s about faithfully planting seeds, releasing the gift unconditionally, and leaving the effects entirely to God.

Change Your Finish Line

ReLeading demands shifting our focus from fruitfulness to faithfulness. Our joy can't depend on immediate results. Our validation can't come from visible outcomes. Instead, we must find fulfillment in simple obedience, faithfully planting seeds, and trusting God with the harvest.

Let this be your new measure of success: faithfulness. Your greatest calling as a ReLeader isn't controlling effects but courageously releasing seeds into the soil, trusting God to bring forth fruit in His perfect timing and way.

Embrace the profound simplicity of this truth: faithfully sow seeds, release control of outcomes, and let God determine the fruitfulness. Become the best seed-sower possible, and you'll find peace, purpose, and sustained joy—regardless of visible results.