One of the most deadly mistakes we can make is to confuse the fruit for the root & therefore chase after the good effects of a thing instead of the good thing itself.

In education, this is focusing on our kids good grades instead of growth of mind, character, & skill. (Honestly, your dooming your child to intellectual slavery if all you care about is their grade. It is shameful.)

In the church, this is chasing after nickels & noses (i.e. giving & attendance) rather than evangelism & discipleship unto Christ-likeness.

In worship, this is wanting peace, contentment, joy, & deliverance from judgment rather than knowing Christ & making him known.

When the fruit (result) is focused upon then shortcuts are inevitably taken, the “results” become artificial and, therefore, empty.

Chase the root & trust the fruit will be born naturally from it.