HOW DO YOU SMELL?

Of course I love nice smelling things; I’m a woman!  We love the soft, velvety smell of a freshly bathed baby, the deep sexy scent of expensive perfume, a bouquet of flowers, citrusy-scented hand soaps and lotions, spicy candles and a just-showered husband.  After painting our master bathroom a beautiful Caribbean aqua, the hunt for accessories began.  Included in my cart of purchases was a beautiful, plug-in, wax-melter and vanilla wax cubes.  I couldn’t wait, of course, and soon my bathroom smelled so sweet.  It didn’t end there, the fragrance spread to the master bedroom and wafted down the stairway to the living room.  My home was filled with the smell of crushed vanilla bean.

Did you know that you are a diffuser of the fragrance of His knowledge; the fragrance of Christ among those who are perishing and being saved?   Oh yes you are!!!  I have never thought of myself as a sweet smelling representative of the aroma of God and I doubt if you have either, but look at the following verses.   2 Corinthians 2:14-15 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. ¹⁵ For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 

 The fragrance you leave after meeting with unbelievers just may form their view of God.  Do you fill the room with the sweet odors of love and forgiveness or do the musty smells of superiority and condemnation linger as you exit the room?  Is it the promise of joy and peace that draws them to God or does the stale air of defeat and fear continue to overpower the atmosphere?  Does your aroma smell of hope or carry the stench of despair?   As Believers, there should be a lovely fragrance trailing us, as we walk through the room.  The refreshing aroma of hope and love should not only fill the room we are in, but waft through the whole house and leave a lingering, pleasant scent long after we are gone.

I raised 2 boys, so I know about sports-smells, outdoor-smells, clean showered-smells and pre-date aftershave smells; quick underarm whiffs and "cupping your hand around your mouth and nose, fresh-breath" sniffs.  Maybe it is time the Followers of Christ take a quick sniff to catch a whiff of our personal aroma.  Check yourself!!!   If there is no sweet smelling savor; if your space is beginning to smell a little dank and stale, it is time for a bath!  Soak awhile in His presence; allow the Holy Spirit to baptize you afresh and infuse you with His fragrance so that you can diffuse the fragrance of Christ among those being saved and those who are perishing.