Marked

[God] set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

[2 Cor 1:22]

Shuttling off to yet another ball game, we drove under an overpass marked by fresh graffiti. My daughter spouted; "Members of the gang that painted that go to my school." She went on to explain that within the graphic was a particular sign. The gang members have that same mark tatooed on their hand. This identifier is exclusive to that group and their handiwork. It is a way of telling others they belong to a certain clan.

As Christians we, too are marked. Belonging to the family of God and body of Christ, He has placed His stamp upon us. The Holy Spirit is God's seal denoting we belong to Him.

The chosen people of God under the old covenant were marked by circumcision. New covenant believers are set apart and kept by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Now, I don't advocate tatooes and I certainly oppose gangs and gang related activity but I do hope the seal of the Holy Spirit as a guarantee until the day of redemption is obvious. When people see me do they easily recognize that I belong to Christ? Can they see His impression on everything I do?

Do I live with the confidence of salvation that is mine and the deposit of what God has promised? Have I claimed that guarantee as a reality that is surely mine? Am I mindful of the responsibility I have as a member of His family?

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,

[Eph1:13]

Blessed Holy Spirit; I am in awe that I am sealed by You until the day of redemption. Let me not quench You within. May I live each day with Your presence obvious. May I bear the marks of Your fruit produced in faith and obedience. Amen.