No Deposit, No Return

When someone wants to buy something of great value like a diamond ring or a house, they are usually required to put down a deposit. Sometimes it's 20% or more. The seller wants to make sure you are serious about the purchase, and that you'll be back to sign a contract for monthly payments or to pay it off completely. If you don't return, you lose the deposit.

If you don't have money, then something usually of equal or more value is left with the seller. They hold this deposit until the buyer returns for the item. Only an unscrupulous seller would keep the deposit and sell the item to another while the first buyer is away.

Normally a well-known business name is someone you would make this deal with. The guy behind WalMart with a van full of "diamond" rings--not so much.

Did you know that when you became a Christian, God put down a deposit for you? He wants you to know that you are His, and He will be back for you. Jesus paid the price and it was high. It cost Him life itself.

The transaction was made when you prayed to receive Jesus as your Savior. No, it's not 20% of your net worth, and it wasn't a roll of quarters for the bundle of chemicals that you're made of. The Bible tells us that God deposited the Holy Spirit within our hearts.

Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave {us} the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (NLT)

The "deposit" or Holy Spirit remains within you. He is better than your conscience. He is a comforter, counselor...a still, small voice that speaks to your heart when you need Him. No wonder He's a jealous God--He made an eternal investment in you!

Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: "He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us"? James 4:5 (NLT)

For those that have not made the choice to accept Jesus Christ, they do not have this deposit, this promise. Ever wonder why some people feel so empty? It's because they have yet to receive this gift--and it is free. All they have to do is ask. They think that saving up their own good works is enough for a deposit of their own...but it's never enough. The more they do, the more they fall short. It's a frightening cycle. If you have never asked Jesus Christ into your life, I would not waste another moment. The gift only He can give is free. There are no brownie points, no drycleaning your soul before the prayer.

Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by keeping the law? Of course not, for the Holy Spirit came upon you only after you believed the message you heard about Christ. Galatians 3:2 (NLT)

You can bet Jesus Christ will live up to His promise of returning. I hope you find comfort in that. When you find yourself lonely and wondering if you will ever feel loved, know that He is coming back. And He loves you like you are the only person in the world. That in itself is priceless.

"Don't be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father's home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. John 14:1-3 (NLT)