The other night, a friend and I talked about a vending machine business. He had done a lot of research about how this type of business works. During our conversation, I commented on writing a blog this month. As a joke, he told AI to write a blog on how vending machines compare to Jesus. What we thought would be funny turned out to be an amazing comparison. This is what AI had to say…
“God’s Grace isn’t a Vending Machine…
Have you ever stood in front of a vending machine, dollar in hand, trying to make the perfect choice? Maybe you’ve punched in the numbers only to have the machine stubbornly hold onto your snack, or even worse, take your money without giving anything in return. Vending machines are predictable when they work: Insert money, press a button, get your reward.
Sometimes, we approach God with the same mindset.
We treat prayer like currency and good deeds like buttons and expect blessings to fall into our laps like a bag of chips. But God isn’t a vending machine. He’s not mechanical or transactional–He’s relational.
Grace Isn’t Earned
Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not works, so that no one can boast.” God gives us HIs love and salvation freely. We don’t put in prayers to earn favor or do good just to “get” something. His blessings come from His nature, not our performance.
The Problem With the Push Button Faith
When we expect instant answers, easy results, or blessings on demand, we reduce our relationship with God to a machine we control. But God is sovereign. He gives us what we need, not always what we want, because He sees the bigger picture. A vending machine gives what’s in stock. God gives from infinite wisdom.
A Better Way: The Table Not the Machine
Instead of vending machine faith, God invites us to a table—a place of communion, conversation, and connection. Jesus didn’t give people what they wanted on command; He gave them Himself, and that’s always more satisfying than anything we could request.
So, next time you see a vending machine, take a moment. Ask yourself: Am I treating God like this? Am I pressing buttons or seeking His heart?“
Awesome blog, right? As I was reading this, I was under conviction because I remember times I treated God like a vending machine. I was reminded that the most important thing in my walk with HIm is communion, conversation, and connection. One thing is for sure: I will never look at a vending machine again without thinking about my relationship with Almighty God.
Patti League
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#pattileagueblogs