All or nothing?

Jesus says, '... apart from me you can do nothing' (John 15.5b). It is good to remember, however, that the opposite of 'nothing' in this phrase is not 'everything' (cf. Phil. 4.13), but 'much fruit'. Again, the bearing of fruit, the evidence of Godly living, our faith induced productivity and what that looks like is not our responsibility. God shapes and forms and grows the fruit.  I must recognize my limits. But we do have the responsibility to 'remain'.  And here to remain seems to refer to an ongoing absorption of the word(s) of Jesus, exemplified in the great love he shows in 'laying down his life for his friends'. 

What is it to do all or nothing (especially vis a vis Christian ministry)?  That phrase to do is troubling for those who are perpetually driven by forces other than the undying love of Christ.  If deeds motivated by this pure love are the measure, the only deeds that matter, the only deeds that produce much fruit, then surely all other activity must be rejected as meaningless and fruitless.  Oh, to be able to discern such work and activity in our own lives...