Carrying Our Certificate of Authenticity
Apparently, the art market can be an overwhelming place for many artists. When an artist goes into business for themselves or just sells their art pieces, there are some things they need to introduce themselves and their business to professionally. One of the most valuable additions to any artist’s business is a certificate of authenticity (CoA).
A certificate of authenticity is a powerful tool in guaranteeing their integrity as an artist. It is best for this document to go with every piece of artwork they create. A certificate of authenticity gives a buyer the knowledge that they are professional, their work is of good quality, and their purchase is a sound investment. It also contributes to the level of trust in the artist's relationship with customers and helps them stand out in the art market.
As born again children of the Savior, we are called to be "conformed to His image" (Romans 8:29). We are His "workmanship," His "masterpiece" created for this purpose (Ephesians 2:10). As the great Master, He stamps us in many ways with His seal of approval, His Certificate of Authenticity.
Persecution is a part of that certification. "Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you." (John 15:20, ESV).
Responding to persecution with joy, knowing we will receive a reward in Heaven and are in good company, reveals to others that we are Jesus’ disciples.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:10-12, ESV).
What Do You Want To Be Remembered For?
On September 10, 2025, a prominent voice in the American conservative movement was silenced by an assasin's bullet. Charlie Kirk was the founder and driving voice behind TPUSA (Turning Point, USA), a nonprofit organization that promotes conservative values like free markets, limited government, traditional family, and love of God and country on high school and college campuses.
This wasn't the first time Kirk faced the threat of death, but it was ultimately the last (both literally and spiritually).
He had spoken to massive audiences on the world stage. He had become a friend and a confidante of some of the most powerful people in the US and around the world. He had grown a grassroots movement from a partnership with a handful of high school buddies to an international ministry with thousands of chapters on campuses both here and abroad. He is credited with having made the single greatest contribution for drawing young people into the conservative movement in modern history. He was a political powerhouse, a minister of the Gospel, a highly successful entrepeneur, a husband, and a father. And he accomplished it all before he even celebrated his 32nd birthday. He was, if nothing else, a classic over-achiever.
Yet when asked what he would most want to be remembered for, Kirk simply said ...
"I want to be remembered for courage for my faith. That would be the most important thing; [the] most important thing is my faith."
Whether you agree with some, all, or none of his talking points, we can all agree that it takes courage to speak what we believe and to stand on and for our conviictions.
You may not have a platform like Charlie Kirk's. You may not even like Charlie Kirk. But it's well worth asking yourself, "What do you most want to be remembered for?"
Do you share his heart to be remembered for the courage to boldly live and share your faith?
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you (John 15:18, ESV). "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12, ESV). "But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, ESV).
Speak boldly Christian! Cower not!
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10, ESV).
The Paradox of Purpose
Mosquitoes get a bad rap.
"It’s often said that mosquitoes serve no purpose other than to annoy humans. This is easy to believe as we are swatting away these bothersome insects while trying to enjoy the outdoors, but," according to the National Wildlife Federation, "it is not true."
There are over 3,500 mosquito species and not all of them bite humans, either because they don’t live in places that people frequent or because they prefer to feed on other animals.
Only some species are considered pests. But what purpose do mosquitoes actually serve?
Believe it or not, mosquitoes are pollinators. In fact, mosquitoes’ primary food source is flower nectar. Just like bees and butterflies, mosquitoes transfer pollen from flower to flower as they feed on nectar, fertilizing plants and allowing them to form seeds and reproduce. It’s only when a female mosquito lays eggs does she seek a blood meal for the protein. Males feed only on flower nectar and never bite.
Beyond pollination, mosquitoes are part of the food web, serving as important prey in both winged adult and aquatic larval form for several other wildlife, from dragonflies and turtles to bats and birds.
So, though annoying to us humans, like all species in existence, mosquitoes do have a purpose! It's paradoxical, but purpose nonetheless.
In Acts 6:8-8:3, believers were being a real nuisance to the establishment, specifically, Stephen. He stood as a bold witness, refusing to yield to the threats to just shut up and go away. Instead, he chose to humbly continue living out his calling and purpose.The powers that be swatted at him, sprayed him, cursed him, and finally smacked him dead ...
"At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him ..." (Acts 7:57-58, NIV).
But they weren't satisfied to try to squelch one annoying mosquito ...
"On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison" (Acts 8:1-3, NIV).
But the persecution did little more than to scatter those annoying believers ...
"Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went" (Acts 8:4, NIV).
Some would try to have us think that obeying the Lord and fulfilling our purpose makes life easier. Yet, while Scripture suggests fulfilling our purpose makes life simpler, Scripture does not suggest it makes life easier.
Fulfilling our purpose tends to attract negative attention from the world, the Devil and his demons. And just as with mosquitoes, they will try to swat at us, curse us, or just downright smack us dead,
But also like the mosqitoe, as annoying as we might be to the world, we have specific roles to play. Embrace your role!