There is a record in the Gospels that is most likely quite familiar to you. Jesus entered a town and was met by ten lepers. They asked him for mercy, and as a result, they were cured of their leprosy. However, only one of the lepers who was healed glorified God. Jesus himself wondered why the other nine had not come back to do the same.
This record is a telling example of how many people treat God. “God Is Not A Vending Machine”. You know, you have a need, you pop in a prayer, and out comes the result. Now we know that God is gracious. We saw that with the lepers. Even though only one glorified God, all ten were still healed. The nine got what they wanted and went their way.
I suspect that many people only think about God when they have a pressing need. You know, the age-old statement that many make, “God, just get me out of this situation and I will serve you for the rest of my life.” If the records of the Children of Israel are any indication of the way that people treat God, most times, such a promise like this is never kept, is it? The Israelites saw many miracles and continually forgot and walked away from God. It’s interesting that when the promised messiah was born, it was Gentiles from Persia who came looking for him.
The results of prayers and needs being met by God are definitely a great blessing, and God does not even withhold blessings from the unjust. We are told that He causes the rain to fall on the just and the unjust. However, that is not the relationship that God wants with His people. If you were a father, how sad would it be if your children only came to you when they needed something?
Note David’s words from the Psalms,
Psalm 17:15
As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. [KJV]
He said that it was enough for him just to be with God when he woke up. God’s fellowship was all that he needed. David saw many answers to his prayers, and despite his mistakes, he never lost sight of the value and importance of his close fellowship with his God. What a joy it is for an earthly father to spend time and close fellowship with his kids. And then when his kids have a need, there is no problem to get the need met, the children trust and have confidence in their father and he is always there to take care of them. How much better is that than treating their father like a vending machine? “Oh, I need something.” Pop in some change, get what you need and walk away.
Did you know that the time that you spend developing your relationship with God will impact you for eternity? Note the following from the Book of Timothy,
I Timothy 4:8
For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. [KJV]
It is saying that physical exercise profits for a little while – while you are alive – but godliness, which is developing your spiritual relationship with God, will profit not only in this life, but also in the one to come. I call that time well spent. How much time do people dedicate to physical exercise? Nothing wrong with physical exercise, but it will only be profitable for a while. How about working on godliness? How about fellowshipping regularly with God, praying to him not just when you need something, but always? How about spending time regularly in the Scriptures to know His will for your life? Then, when a situation comes up when you need help, no matter how drastic it might be, the confidence you have in your fellowship with Him will always be there. Sounds so much better than looking for spare change, doesn’t it?