2 Corinthians 1:21-22
21 But it is God who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us, 22 who has put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a down payment.
Big purchases can be very stressful. When we have to buy a car or a home or some other big items, most of us spend time doing our research and looking carefully at what we are about to put our money and energy behind. We want whatever it might be to be a good investment and to last. When making big purchases and financing the remainder, the question is usually asked about a down payment or how much you would like to initially invest in what you are buying. A down payment serves to lower your payment but also demonstrates your investment into what you are buying. The greater percentage that we invest is also the more that we are “in” when buying.
In Paul’s writing to the people of Corinth, he tells us that we have been given the Spirit in our hearts as a down payment. God has invested in each one of us from the moment that we enter this earth. To have the Spirit in our hearts is to have the ability to connect to God, to feel God’s presence and to recognize God’s love. This is quite an investment. By giving us the gift of the Spirit, God has essentially gone all in our down payment by investing in every single person and giving us all the ability to experience the beauty of God’s unconditional grace in our lives. Unlike our human investments, this one is built to last and sealed with love.
Prayer
Holy God of grace and glory, we thank you for the gift of your Spirit. Thank you for investing in each of us through the gift of life and the gift of connection through your Spirit. Help us to live in this gift and work towards hearing you in our daily lives. In your name, Amen.