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“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.”
2 Corinthians 2:14-15
How do you smell? That’s an odd question, isn’t it? I mean, on date nights with your spouse or significant other, you probably smell nice having just splashed some sweet-smelling perfume or cologne on your body. Other times, like right after some strenuous yard work or afternoon jog in the neighborhood, you don’t smell so nice. Those are the times you want to quickly shower so that you don’t offend people with your pungency.
That’s sort of the idea the apostle Paul was trying to convey to his young, up-and-coming church in Corinth. He was saying that when Christians (a term meaning “little Christ”) allow God to lead their lives in triumph over sin and worldly ways they become a sweet aroma, a fragrance of Christ, encouragement to other believers, and pleasing to the Father.
It’s interesting that Paul says their fragrance of Christ fills their surroundings, affecting both the saved and the dying. To those who are saved, it is a familiar fragrance, an encouragement to produce the same. To the dying, it is a rather peculiar smell, one that is either attractive or repugnant. To those who find it attractive, it warrants further investigation. To those finding it repugnant, it is offensive and invasive. They generally want to replace it with their own self-centered and self-indulgent mixture of spices, those that the Father finds repugnant and offensive.
It’s rather fascinating that an aroma that is pleasing to the Creator is oftentimes distasteful to His creation. But then again, that’s always been the case, right? The fragrant aroma of obedient saints who are surrendered to the Father’s will is the perfect perfume of Christ. Have you put a splash on today? How do you smell?
In Christ,
Dave
Additional reading on Christian Living:
In the beginning, God …
Walking in the Light
Slicing off the Tee
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