When we walk up to a gumball machine, we expect to put in our money and get the gumball that we want. The sad thing is that some people think that is how prayer works with God.

I was watching a TV comedy the other day. And the actor, in his mock prayer, said he did not believe in God but he was covering all bases to get what he wanted. I know this was just a TV program. I also know that writers draw most of their content from reality. That is why I found this scenario very disturbing.

How would it make you feel if your child treated you this way? What if they came to you and said, “I don’t believe in you. I don’t think you can help me. I really don’t love you. But this is what I want from you. And I want it NOW!!” Would you give them what they asked for?” Or would you say, “I never knew you: depart from me”?

The living God will not be mocked. He is not a gumball machine that gives you what you want whenever you demand it. He requires your respect and your obedience. When you come before the throne of God with a request, please do so with a humble and a thankful heart. And give God, our Father, the honor and praise that He is worthy of and deserves.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.