When Motives Need Fertilizing

One spring day, three-year-old Douglas helped his grandfather fertilize the lawn. When the job was done, Grandpa placed two shiny quarters in his grandson’s small hand and proudly asked, “Well, Douglas, what do you think?” Looking down at the money, Douglas quickly replied, “I think it needs to be done again, Grandpa.”

We smile at the honesty of a child, but if we are honest, we may see ourselves in that moment. It is amazing how quickly our motives can shift. What began as simple help can turn into a desire for reward. What began as service can subtly become self-serving. The heart is deceptive. We often justify our actions as pure, but God does not merely examine the deed—He weighs the spirit behind it.

Even in ministry, generosity, or kindness, we can quietly begin looking for applause, recognition, or “two more quarters.” The Lord is not only concerned with what we do but why we do it. Jesus warned against doing righteous acts “to be seen of men.” When fertilized, pride can grow quickly. But when we serve out of love for Christ, unseen and unpraised, there is a reward far greater than coins in our hand.