The fact that so many people have this approach to God, is,
unfortunately, a by-product of our society. We are all encouraged to be strong
and independent, to be a ‘self-made’ man or woman and that all the good things
in life are ours to claim simply because ‘we are worth it’! Just spend an evening watching the
advertisements on television and you will see what I mean. We are bombarded by messages that tell us
that we can have silky smooth skin with blah soap, because we deserve it;
insurance / investment companies taking care of our needs because we are worth
it; vehicles that offer us luxury, affordability, and every little knick-knack
that makes them special because we are.
So it goes on, a constant barrage of information that tells us
constantly how much we deserve and how much the strong, independent, go-getter
is admired for their success.
So when it comes to God, so many people find the Bible’s
instructions very difficult to swallow. Obedience; submission; faithfulness;
trust in an ‘unseen’ Saviour; and all the other requirements for a life fully
immersed in doing the will of God. Therefore, large chunks of Jesus’ teachings
are ignored and only the ‘good stuff’ is taught. ‘Believe and you will receive.’ ‘Whatever you ask for in my name will be
added to you.’ These are verses that
people hang on to as they pray for a new vehicle, washing machine, a bigger
house, and whatever else their hearts’ desire. These people forget verses like ‘Seek first
the Kingdom of God and His righteousness…’
Yes, our God is a generous and loving God! He loves to provide
for His children and to give them good gifts. God has on many an occasion provided a car, or other item that
was beyond the means of the recipient, and He does this for His glory. But God wants our hearts. He wants our
love and our trust. Yes, He does want us to give Him our troubles and trust Him
to get us through them or miraculously solve them for us, but He wants us to
love Him whether we live in a mansion or a shack. He wants us to trust Him when
loved ones die, or when the doctor tells us we have cancer. He wants us to be willing to walk with Him
through every facet of our lives and not to just call on Him with our ‘prayer
shopping list’ whenever we feel like it, and to then declare that we no longer
believe just because He hasn’t provided us with the comfortable lifestyle we
feel we deserve!!
So today, when you go to Him in prayer, firstly thank Him
for what He did for you - the cross was not a walk in the park! Then praise Him
for who He is because He deserves it! Finally, throw out your shopping list;
lift up those you know of who are going through difficult times and then, thank
Him for all that He has provided you with! Remember, that as He is the Creator,
everything in this world belongs to Him – all you have is only on loan.
