June 7: The Fragrance of Christ

 Theme: Leaving a Lasting impression

Dr. Terry-Ann Robinson
Kings SDA Church

Scripture: “For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” II Corinthians 2:15 NKJV

 Close your eyes and imagine your favorite scent. Is it a floral scent or an earthy scent? Is it a fruity scent or a spicy scent? It could be the smell of something baking in the oven. But not all scents are good. Some are pungent and offensive. Some are irritantants. Some even make us nauseous. 

Paul tells us in II Corinthians 2 that there is an aroma that comes from knowing God. Do you know there is also an aroma when we don't know God? Matt 7:26 tells us that by their fruit you can know them. Not all fruits have the same smell.

The Durian fruit has such an unpleasant scent that, in Asia, you are not allowed to take it on public transportation. In some buildings, you are not allowed to eat it. It can smell like sewage, dirty gym socks, and rotten onions all mixed together. 

On the contrary, the smell of a mango is so sweet. Just think about it, and your dopamine will get active. You salivate, and your mood improves.

The sense of smell is normally not activated by choice. As long as our Olfactory System works well, we will naturally smell the things around us when we breathe. What we smell then leaves an impression on us, whether it's the impulse to eat, relax, or run away.

The aroma of Christ cannot be hidden. You don't need a poster board advertising "Christian here." You don't need a cross around your neck. You don't even need it on your status. These are all external things. Scents that come from the outside fade quickly. But a smell that's from the inside cannot be taken away. 

An encounter with Christ leaves a lasting impression that transforms the heart, and the result is seen on the outside. It can't be masked. It isn't reserved for Sabbath or Sunday services. It's with you 100% of the time. 

As you go about your daily business, people are getting a whiff of you through your interactions with them. What they encounter tells them who you have been with. The question is, whose scent do you wear daily? What do the people around us smell when we are faced with unfavorable circumstances? Is it the scent of Christ or the scent of the evil one? 

May every day the perfume we wear tell the story of Jesus and His love. 

Prayer

Our Father, the song says that the longer we serve you the sweeter you grow. May we demonstrate this sweetness in our daily encounter with others. May our interaction show that we have been with You. When we reflect on our lives we realize that we have not always represented you well. Forgive us for the times we have worn the scent of the enemy. Today, we commit to wearing the sweet fragrance of Christ everyday so that others will come to know and love the God we serve. Amen.

Comments

  1. That’s the Word. Once you have the aroma of Christ, there’s NO NEED for a billboard nor much talking
    A blessed devotional Terry.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Amen...Lord let me be fragrant with your sweet aroma.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

January 11: Help! I Am A Worrier.

January 3: Trust the Plan

March 16 Anxious but Anchored