Make it real – get the seal

My wife and I do a lot of “antiquing”. (I think I’ve told you this already. It’s really “my” thing – it’s probably because I am an antique – but being the sweet and loving person she is, she humors me.)

We like to travel around the state in search of not-so-buried treasure. (Of course there are great shops in Houston County and in case you’re interested, one just opened in Vienna. It’s somewhat small now but they have the vision – a vision they are carrying it out – to expand it to a giant warehouse’s worth. Another interesting note. They are clearing out old buildings in Vienna as the city looks to upgrade its downtown and a lot of it is coming from that.)  

Anyway, we travel around the state and I do a lot of looking online. My favorite collectible is glass. Unusual, hand blown, thick, heavy pieces. Anybody who knows those specifics knows there’s only one name you really look for: Murano. (Like if you’re looking for crystal I suppose it’s all about Waterford.)

Murano glass is made in Venice on the island of Murano. It has been made there since the 13^th Century. It is typically not cheap. In fact, in most cases it is quite expensive.

As I travel to shops and browse online, I frequently come across people who know this well — very, very, well. How do I know that? Because, from north Georgia to south Georgia and all over the internet you will see headlines, labels, and descriptions that say “Murano-like,” “Murano-style,” even “Murano-esque.” Or, if they’re bold enough, they’ll just say “Murano.”

They do so for the obvious reasons, right? To drive the price up. (Shaking my head at the dishonest people.)

But here’s the thing. Murano has a look. Murano has a feel. Murano has, most importantly, a “certificate of authenticity!” An unmistakable and distinct sticker or label on the bottom that reads “Murano”. And somewhere on it says “Made in Italy.”

Yes, you could probably fake it if you wanted to bad enough, but these people don’t. They don’t even try. They just put the name Murano out there and hope – or expect – you’ll take the bait.

A lot of people say, “I’m a Christian.” (Me, included.) They’ll say, “I’m a member of such and such church.” “I volunteer …” here or there or here and there. “I don’t drink.” “I don’t cuss.” “I read my Bible …” “I pray …” I mean, fill in the blank, right?

I know those are fruits of the Spirit and probably say a lot about you – just as the Murano-like/style/esque glass pieces are still pretty and well made and say a lot about them – but there is only one certificate of authenticity (a “seal” if you will). You know where forth I go with this: Jesus Christ.

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” – Ephesians 1:13

“Set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” – 2 Corinthians 1:22

Just like in art and glass and a host of other things. If it doesn’t have that certificate of authenticity, it’s really not authentic and really not worth what it might be advertised as being worth.

Hopefully you’re taking great comfort in the fact you have that seal – because of Him and only because of Him – hence you are the real deal.