Scent can invigorate us or calm us; it can repulse us or draw us in. It can even make us feel nostalgic because scent is often linked with our memories. We like being around things that smell nice to us and, as much as we can help it, we will avoid being around the smells we don’t prefer. Many of us are particular about how we smell, we don’t want to be off-putting to others, but have a pleasant scent that does not offend; it is for this very reason that perfumes, colognes, scented shampoos, and soaps/body washes are always in high demand.
Knowing
this, consider this passage:
“Now thanks be to God who leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ* among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the others the aroma of life leading to life…” (2 Corinthians 2:14-16 NKJV)
The
knowledge of God and Christ is our fragrance – some will be drawn to it in their
search for God and some will be repelled by it (Romans 8:6-7, 1 Peter 4:1-6, see how light has the same effect in John
3:16-21). Our own senses will develop as we study and gain knowledge of
God, allowing us to discern both good and evil (Hebrews 5:14).
*Interesting Fact: Psalm 45:8 describes scent of the coming Messiah’s garments as being scented with myrrh, aloes, and cassia. Myrrh smells like sweet licorice/anise, aloe smells fresh, like cool water, and cassia is similar to the scent of cinnamon. All three of these scents have a calming effect: myrrh calms and steadies the mind and is good for rest, aloe is soothing, helps with depression, and is mood-regulating, cassia helps with anxiety and shyness, and helps relieve the stress of perfectionism, making mistakes, and dwelling on the negative. Now read and consider Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28-30. He is the very place, the only place, we can find true peace (Philippians 4:6-8).
As we live
for Christ (Galatians 2:20) and walk
as He walked (1 John 2:3-6) we will
find that some will be pleased with our behaviour and choices because they see
the goodness in it (they may even ask us
why we do what we do, 1 Peter 3:15), while others will see that same
goodness and behave as though we are preaching words of condemnation at them as
they compare our choices/behaviour to their own. The latter ones don’t want to
come to the light and they are repelled by the very fragrance that emits from
us as we allow God and His word to guide us.
Throughout
the Old Testament there are mentions of the required offerings and sacrifices causing
a sweet-smelling aroma that reached God (ex:
Genesis 8:20-21, Leviticus 2:9). Although we are no longer required to
offer blood sacrifices because of Jesus’ sacrifice, which was once for all (Hebrews
10:8-10), we still offer sacrifices to God that cause sweet aroma to reach Him.
We offer ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans
12:1-2, Matthew 16:24) and when we walk in love as Christ loved us we are offering
a sweet-smelling aroma to God (just as Christ
did when loved us and gave Himself for us, Ephesians 5:1-2). Sharing our blessings and helping those in
need also offers “a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God”
(Philippians 4:18). And did you know that our very prayers are golden
bowls of incense to God in heaven? Read and consider Revelation 5:8, it may
just change the way you approach prayer and make you more consistent in your
offering of them.
Do you smell of the fragrance of Christ? Does
knowledge of God and His Son permeate from you – making it evident to all that
you are a child of God (think on 1 Timothy 4:15-16)? Are you developing your
own sense of smell through reading, study, and application (Hebrews 5:14, James
1:21-27)? If you're walking as Jesus walked be proud
of the way you smell, let it be your signature scent, as you humbly give
yourself to the Lord and to the work He created you for (Ephesians 2:10)!
You can do it! So can I!!
No comments:
Post a Comment