“By their fruits you shall know them.” — Matthew 7:16 (KJV)
Jesus wasn’t giving farming advice. He was pointing out something deeply spiritual and profoundly practical: you can know the truth about someone—their motives, maturity, and value—by the results of their life. Not just their intentions. Not their charm. Not their potential. Their fruit.
I often think about that verse when I hear people complain about how hard it is to get hired. I get it. You’re passionate, you’re educated, you have potential. But in the job market, potential isn’t enough. Employers are not in the business of charity. They’re in the business of results.
Why Potential Isn’t Enough
Let me be blunt: potential doesn’t pay the bills.
You may have a beautiful vision, a strong GPA, or an inspiring story of personal growth. But if you can’t deliver results, you’re not solving a business problem. And businesses exist to solve problems, not to nurture potential for its own sake.
Imagine hiring a mechanic who says, “I’ve never fixed a car before, but I read a lot about engines and I love vehicles.” That might impress a friend, but it won’t win you customers. Or imagine a bakery that sells unbaked dough with a promise that it could be a great cake one day. That’s not how the real world works.
So what do employers really want?
They want value. They want proof.
The best way to prove you're ready? Take initiative. Create value. Be useful. Find out how to build your portfolio from scratch. Share on XA Real-World Lesson
My wife once met an old classmate during an exam invigilation. He had just been hired as a teacher at a prestigious school. For the first three months, he didn’t teach. He shadowed another teacher. He observed. He learned. He was paid for it.
Why? Because the school could afford it. The owners are wealthy. They had a structured onboarding process and the luxury of developing talent slowly.
But most employers aren’t that wealthy. They can’t afford to carry passengers.
They need people who can hit the ground running. They want proof you can contribute now—not just hopes that you might one day.
That’s why banks send graduates to banking school even after hiring them. Not everyone makes it through. It’s not about what you studied; it’s about whether you can generate revenue, close deals, or add measurable value.
Fruit vs. Fanfare
Think back to Jesus’ analogy of fruit. A tree is not judged by its leaves or height or potential. It’s judged by its fruit.
So let me ask you: What fruit are you bearing?
Do you have case studies? Testimonials? Skills you’ve applied in the real world? Do you know how to solve real problems for real people?
In today’s job market, fanfare is everywhere. Everyone is posting, talking, branding, and building their “personal narrative.” But the people who win are those who can actually do something valuable—and show it.
You don’t need to have worked at Google. But can you point to a website you built, a campaign you ran, a product you helped sell, a community you grew?
If not, you don’t need pity. You need a plan.
Jesus said, “By their fruits you shall know them.” It’s not about charm or potential. It’s about results. Your fruit—not your fanfare—will speak for you. Share on XFrom Potential to Proof
Let’s say you’re brand new. No experience. No fancy internship. Just hunger and a good attitude.
Here’s the good news: you can still prove your value. Here’s how:
1. Start Projects That Solve Real Problems.
Don’t wait to be hired before you create value. Volunteer. Build something. Offer your services to a small business. Fix something broken. Get your hands dirty.
2. Document Your Work.
Take screenshots. Collect feedback. Write short reports. Post your learnings online. Package your experiences into stories that show what you’ve done and what results you got.
3. Learn in Public.
Let people see your journey. Blog about your learning. Share what you’re building. Ask thoughtful questions on LinkedIn. This shows humility and progress.
4. Find a Real Mentor.
Don’t just consume content—find someone who can give you feedback and direction. Let them challenge you. Let them sharpen you. Their endorsement, when it comes, will carry weight.
5. Create a Portfolio.
Even if you’re not a designer. Even if you’re not in tech. Put together a simple PDF or website that shows what you’ve done, what you’ve learned, and what problems you can solve.
Remember: you don’t need a job to start working. You need work to get the job.
Entry-Level Doesn’t Mean Empty-Level
Too many young professionals assume that being entry-level means having nothing to offer. That’s not true. You may not have experience, but you can have proof of learning, growth, and resourcefulness.
Show that you can:
- Learn quickly
- Communicate clearly
- Take feedback without being defensive
- Add value even without being told exactly what to do
- Work well with others
These are soft proofs of your readiness.
Employers don’t need you to be perfect. They just need to trust that you’re not a liability. That you won’t cost them more than you contribute. That you’re more asset than aspiration.
Employers don’t need superheroes. They need faithful stewards. Share on XA Kingdom Principle
The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) offers a powerful lesson here.
The master gave one servant five talents, another two, and another one. He didn’t expect the one-talent servant to produce five. But he did expect him to do something. Instead, that servant buried his talent out of fear.
The master didn’t rebuke him for having little. He rebuked him for doing nothing with it.
God doesn’t hold us accountable for what we don’t have. But He does expect us to use what we do have. Employers think the same way.
Don’t bury your gifts. Multiply them. Show that you’re faithful with little, and more will be entrusted to you.
You Don’t Have to Wait
You don’t need a big break.
You don’t need a perfect opportunity.
You don’t need someone to give you permission.
Start small. Prove your value in the little things.
Then let your fruit speak for you.
We Need Your Contribution
If you’re reading this and feeling behind, please hear me: this is not condemnation. It’s a call to action.
You do have potential. That matters. But potential is the seed, not the fruit. It’s the beginning, not the end.
The world needs your contribution. But it needs it in a form that solves problems, meets needs, and delivers value.
So start proving. Not just dreaming.
Not just branding.
Not just wishing.
Start working.
Start building.
Start serving.
Because employers don’t hire potential. Employers hire proof.
And the good news? You can become living proof of God’s grace, wisdom, and excellence—right where you are.
Let your life bear fruit.
Let your work speak loud.
And let your faith fuel your action.
That’s how you turn potential into purpose.