But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. (2 Corinthians 2:14-15, NLT)
I find it interesting to hear TV commentators speak about the players on tour and describe their attitudes and actions on the course. There are many ‘nice guys and women’ playing the tours, but when I know a Christian is being discussed, I listen in more closely, for that player is representing his Savior.
Just as the tour players have a reputation on the course, so do we who call ourselves ‘Jesus-followers.’ Did you know that our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising to God? The sweet aroma rises like an offering of incense. Historically, the Romans burned incense during their victory processions as an offering to their gods. As we live out life in Christ’s victory over sin and death, we spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere like a sweet perfume.
Never underestimate the power of your kindness, grace, and peace to others. You may entice someone to search for the Source.
What an honor but also what a great responsibility. Is our aroma Christ-like? Would it attract or repel non-believers? If we have a stinky attitude – prideful, short and sour tempered, selfish, angry, etc. – we must deal with it and ask for forgiveness. God is faithful and forgives us and cleanses us of all unrighteousness.
The hope we have in Jesus is a life-giving perfume to the lost. Never underestimate the power of your kindness, grace, and peace to others. You may entice someone to search for the Source. Even if they quite can’t put their finger on it, others often notice something about you that makes you different.
1 Peter 2:9 tells us that those who follow Christ are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that we may declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light. Christians ARE truly different from those who are still in darkness. As King James puts it, we are “peculiar people” whose perfume pleases God.
It is God’s love others are attracted to, which could be the beginning step to opening their heart to Jesus. Who in your daily interaction needs to smell the aroma of Christ today? And possibly to receive an invitation to your Links fellowship?
Prayer: Father God, may my life be a fragrant offering to you today that gives off the sweet aroma of Jesus to others around me. Teach me how to make the most of every opportunity to show your love and to tell of the hope I have in you today.