When I hear people speak about Christianity or about my God, I can't help but notice a few stigmas floating around that seem to be popular opinions. God is many things: almighty, all powerful, omnipotent, just, all knowing, loving, forgiving, and fatherly. We believe in these words and in His Word; yet, we question and doubt God, ultimately holding him to a certain expectation. My friends, that puts a limit on our God. That puts a limit on the one who gave sight to the blind, who parted the waves, and who rose from the dead. If we truly believed in who God is and what he can do, we would not treat him like a genie or vending machine.

People like to pray when they're asking for something. "Dear God, please let me get this job." "Dear God, send me someone to love." "Dear God, please heal my sick loved one." God is not a genie. You don't get to just ask for the things you desire and give nothing in return. God is your heavenly father and he wants nothing more than a relationship with his son/daughter. You would not like it if you loved someone whom only ever took from you and never gave anything in return. It would make you feel taken for granted, and that's how God can feel sometimes. However, since his love for us is eternal and unconditional, he still chooses to bless you at certain points because you mean that much to him. Now, you might think, "Well, he didn't answer my prayer about this or that, so how does he bless me?" Like I said, God is not a genie and he is allowed to say no to you. But believe me, when I say that God only says no because he has something greater in store for you, you just have to be willing enough to let him show you. Blessings are all around you, you just need to focus your eyes in a different direction. Instead of always asking and pleading with God, try just talking to him. "Hey God, I love you." "God you are so good." "God, thank you for all that you've done for me." Praise God in the trials and the triumphs, and he will give you more than any limited genie ever could.

Along with not being a genie, God is not a vending machine. When using a vending machine, people give just the right amount of money in order to get something in return. When people go to God, they can tend to give him just enough attention in order to feel like a good Christian and hopefully get something in return. Christianity is not a checklist; going to church every Sunday doesn't cut it. You need to invest yourself and be vulnerable in order to feel anything from God. At times, vending machines don't work and they can steal your hard earned effort. However, God will never fail you and will always be with you, whether you need him or not. When you use a vending machine, it's resources eventually run out. Why use a limited vending machine when you can receive everything and more from an unlimited God?

God wants the best life for you and wants to bless you beyond measure. Therefore, we need to start treating him like the all-powerful God he is, instead of a fictional character or an inanimate object. A genie or a vending machine can keep you satisfied only for a little while, but God grants you an eternal life that is filled with the fruits of the spirit.

1 Chronicles 16:11, "Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always."