False Solomon’s Seal (Smilacina racemosa)

False Solomon’s Seal Flowers

True or False
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world.  By this you know the Spirit of God:  every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God.  1 John 4:1-3b  (NRSV)

            Why do the names of some plants include the word “false” such as False Solomon’s Seal?  This is because the plants look much like another with a similar name.  False Solomon’s Seal plants look a lot like Solomon’s Seal plants.  Both are members of the Lily Family and have oval, parallel veined leaves.  Both have stems that arch gracefully.  But the Solomon’s Seal plant has root scars that look like ancient wax seals.  The False Solomon’s Seal does not have these. Solomon’s Seal plants have flowers that droop beneath the stem.  False Solomon’s Seal has tiny, creamy white, fragrant flowers that form a cluster at the end of the curving stem.  Knowing distinguishing characteristics can make a difference!
            People share many messages in word and print.  The Internet has much information that is available to people throughout the world.  How can people know which messages are true and which are false?  What are distinguishing characteristics of the truth? 
This same question arose prior to the coming of Jesus and afterwards.  The writer of the book of 1 John gives readers guidance.  He told them to listen to those who could really confess that they believed Jesus the Messiah had come in the flesh.  The writer said these people were from God.  He warned them not to follow those who could not make this confession.

Dear Lord,
Help us to follow your true servants.  You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.  In your name we pray, Amen.

Things to Think About and Do
•  Read and memorize Bible verses about Jesus, the Christ.  Think about what they mean for you and your life.
•  Try to find Solomon’s Seal and False Solomon’s Seal plants.  Look for likenesses and differences.  If you cannot find the actual plants, look at pictures of each kind and note likenesses and differences.