2 Corinthians 1:21-22 by Susan L.

  I am given His Holy Spirit.
 
  "Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee." NKJV
  "It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised." JCB

  Guarantees. It leapt off the screen at me.
  They are such a fundamental part of our culture. Every appliance, every bit of electronics, and even our cars come with a guarantee that they will work as promised but it's usually only for two years at the most or maybe five for a vehicle. That is, only if we follow the manufacturer's maintenance plan. If we don't, the guarantee is null and void. For a new car, it means doing exactly what the plan requires and taking it to the dealership for all servicing until the warranty expires. It's pricy compared to my local, trusted, long time mechanic.
  The food we buy comes with a guarantee that it is fresh and tasty. Maybe I've got finicky taste buds but some of the pre-packaged meals aren't what they promise.
  Over the counter medications make promises that they will ease a headache, stop flu symptoms, or help us sleep only there's a whole whack of small print listing potential side effects. They have a guarantee but are free to put conditions and warnings on that promise.
  So really, worldly guarantees aren't worth the paper they are printed on. Every single one of them has an expiry date. Every single one of them comes with conditions.
  It's no wonder people ask "What's the catch?" when it comes to exploring Christianity. Yes, we've been good at putting a human twist on a walk with Jesus. Religion is pretty good at putting up walls and making hoops to jump through. I hope the Lord can forgive us.
  Because, there isn't a catch, a stumbling block. There isn't a fifteen page incomprehensible contract to sign. There aren't conditions. A verbal commitment to Jesus is as good as signing on the dotted line because God honours our word. It's good enough for Him.
  The best part is it enables us to live in the assurance and safety of an eternal, unbreakable contract. It enables us to live under the glory of grace, forgiveness and love. It enables us to grow as people under the tender, caring tutelage of the Holy Spirit. If Jesus is our teacher, the Holy Spirit is our Guide.
  How great is that!