The Genuine Article

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6-7 NKJV)

Back in the days I worked at FedEx as an editor/writer, I visited stations in the south of France for a series of stories about their operations. Near Nice, a courier took me along with him on his delivery route, which included several yachts and villas where the “beautiful people” lived.

I stayed in the van most of the time, but at one point the courier asked, “Want to see Picasso’s house?” “Absolutely!” I replied. I didn’t want to miss that opportunity! 

We drove past a private gate and arrived at the villa’s front door where we were ushered into the entry hall. While we waited for someone to sign the package delivery forms, I glanced around the elegant room. I wasn’t sure if the home was once inhabited by the artist Pablo Picasso himself or by one of his children, but there was a definite connection—Picasso paintings were everywhere.

We stayed less than five minutes before zooming back out onto the courier’s route, but the blink-of-an-eye impression remained with me. Those were not reprints on the walls. They were real Picasso works of art.

I’m not a fan of the artist’s imagery, but I can appreciate the value those paintings represented. Investors still pour millions into auctions offering Picasso’s handiwork. When someone can confirm an item is one of his originals, the price tag soars.

A “genuine article” is something that has earned its value by virtue of its identity. It’s the real deal. My husband and I don’t have any famous paintings, but our home is a gallery of sorts for the artistry of our kids from their childhood. School projects still get prominent placement on our walls because of the origin and significance from our beloved ones. 

You and I have the same privilege today, too, in our shared ownership of other genuinely priceless treasures: God’s words recorded in Scripture. We can trust in the truths we find in our Bibles because His word is consistent and infallible. We can honor these writings because they came directly from the Lord of the universe.

Even more precious is Christ’s presence with us. He is the genuine article Himself—the Son of God, the Messiah, the Savior who gave His life for us to save our souls. He is the way, truth, and life…for real.

When we first gazed upon the description of Jesus in His word, we were captivated by the beauty of His Gospel message. But as time goes by, just as with paintings on our walls, it’s easy to let our eyes grow accustomed to seeing them and ignore God’s unique artistry in them. 

Friend, let’s not lose our awe and amazement of our Savior’s masterpieces around us—His creativity in nature, His authorship of His book, His presence with us always. Let’s cherish every moment He gives us to call on His name, in assurance of His love for us. 

This week, at every turn and obstacle in our faith journey, you and I can still praise and count on His generous gifts of wisdom and guidance. We can trust His word because He is the genuine article.

Lord Jesus, I thank You for sharing the beauty of Your story with us. I praise Your name as I lift up my eyes to witness Your incredible artistry all around me, especially in the changing seasons. Give me renewed joy, wonder, hope, and healing as I open Your words this week. May I always trust in Your genuine, unfailing love. In Your name, Amen.

Nancy C. Williams is a Christian wife/mom with a writing career spanning more than 40 years in business and journalism. Williams is the author of the novel To Love a Falcon and the devotional book A Crocus in the Desert: Devotions, Stories, and Prayers for Women Experiencing Infertility. Her blogs are featured on Crossmap.com and AriseDaily. To follow Nancy’s posts and news, go to her home page at NancyCWilliams.com and subscribe at the bottom. 

© Copyright 2025 Nancy C. Williams (text and photography). Unless otherwise noted, Scripture verses are taken from the New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. #Bible #picasso #riviera #fedex #courier #truth