2 Corinthians 2:15-16 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing , from one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.
My husband and I live in an area with strong contrasting aromas. One day you walk outside and smell Hershey’s chocolate, which comes from their factory 30 minutes away. The next day you walk outside and smell manure being spread over nearby farmland. Each aroma is distinct and attaches to a specific cause. The same is true with the aroma of Christ. The aroma of Christ is with us wherever we go representing the Kingdom of God. Question is, does our aroma represent Christ? Do we smell like Jesus or the world?
People all over this planet need Jesus. They are lost, hurting, in captivity and heading towards eternal fire. Since we carry the kingdom of God, their needs can be answered through you and I. Everywhere our feet tread, the Kingdom of heaven can be released. Awareness of God being with us and His desire to reach a lost world is crucial. It’s easy to run errands and pay no attention to anyone else. Tuning into the Holy Spirit throughout our day, however, will open doors of opportunity to reach people for Christ. Approaching others with God’s love and compassion releases a favorable aroma.
What do people come in contact with, when they meet us? Is it the love, joy and peace of the Lord? Or the anxiety, anger and stress of the world? This is what family members, work buddies and everyone else will notice. The aroma of Christ is first and foremost unconditional love, for God is love. Love values people no matter what culture, color or behavior. No one is beyond hope, no one is beyond redemption. We are called to love people the way Christ loves us.
Time and devotion unto the Lord will strengthen our Christlike aroma. If we are too busy to spend time with the Lord, we will smell like the world. Strengthening our spirit man with God’s word, worship, prayer, praise and thanksgiving will create a sweet aroma. We will smell like Jesus, releasing the kingdom and presenting people an opportunity to encounter their heavenly Father!
Blessings.