There is a subtle difference between doing things for Jesus and living with Jesus. We spend so much of our lives trying to produce fruit. Jesus invites us to cultivate roots instead.
It may seem small, but according to leadership coach and author Karl Martin, it changes everything.
Too often, our spiritual lives become measured by activity—how much we're serving, leading, producing, or accomplishing. We assume that greater effort will naturally lead to greater fruit. But Jesus tells a different story.
Fruit grows from healthy roots.
In this episode of Called Beyond, Karl reflects on Colossians 2 and the Parable of the Sower to remind us that the Christian life isn't built on performance but on presence. As we become deeply rooted in Christ, the fruit of the Spirit becomes the natural overflow of a transformed life.
That perspective reshapes how we think about leadership, evangelism, and even decision-making. Rather than constantly asking God for yes-or-no answers, Karl encourages us to become people who know His voice so well that we can move confidently, trusting Him to redirect our steps when needed.
"Your job is faithfulness and His job is fruitfulness."
Those words are both freeing and challenging.
They remind us that success in God's Kingdom isn't measured by visible outcomes but by abiding in Christ and responding obediently to His leading.
During the conversation Karl offers a refreshing vision for sharing our faith. Instead of relying on formulas or techniques, he invites us to become the kind of people others naturally trust—people marked by kindness, curiosity, authenticity, and courage.
As our roots grow deeper, our lives become more attractive to the world around us.
Perhaps that's what Jesus intended all along.
If you've ever felt weary from trying to manufacture spiritual results—or wondered whether there's a more joyful way to follow Jesus—this conversation is an invitation to return to the deeper place where lasting fruit begins.
Featured Guest
Karl Martin is the founder of Arable, a leadership consultancy that helps leaders, teams, and organizations grow from a deeper place through authenticity, courage, kindness, and curiosity. Originally from Scotland, Karl spent more than two decades leading and planting churches before launching Arable to coach leaders across business, ministry, sports, and the nonprofit sector. He is the author of The Cave, The Road, The Table, and The Fire: Leading from a Deeper Place and now lives in Nashville with his wife, Niki. Together they have four grown daughters.