Ever walked
into a bakery and instantly felt drawn in by the smell of fresh bread or
freshly baked cookies? On the other hand, have you ever caught a whiff of
something foul and you felt like plugging your nose? In the same way that
physical aromas fill the air, our lives emit a “spiritual fragrance”—an invisible yet powerful sense of a
person’s life expressed through their character, actions, and attitudes. Just
as physical fragrances can attract or repel, our lives emit a spiritual aroma
that either draws people to Jesus or turns them away.
In today’s
passage, Paul unveils a powerful metaphor, transforming the Christian
experience into a sensory reality: believers are called to spread the
"fragrance of Christ" wherever they go. He uses the Roman triumphal processions, where
victorious generals burned incense as a sign of conquest, to provide the
backdrop for this imagery. To some, the incense meant freedom—a swet aroma; to
others, defeat—a foul stench.
The question
is: What kind of aroma are you releasing? What scent is emitted from your life?
Do you emanate a sweet aroma, or is there a lingering “odor” of sin, pride, arrogance,
anger, or worldliness that others around you pick up? Is your life putting out the
sour smell of sin and selfishness, or do others sense the sweet, sweet smell of
Jesus?
Our
attitudes, words, and actions either carry the sweet scent of Jesus or the
stench of self. If our lives reflect His love, grace, and truth, people will be
drawn to Him. But if we carry bitterness, pride, or hypocrisy, our witness
becomes repelling instead of attractive. The world already has enough foul
odors—our lives should be a fresh breath of heaven!
Take
inventory. Do your interactions at work, home, and in public radiate Christ’s
love and grace? Ask the Holy Spirit to remove any lingering “bad odors” of
unforgiveness, anger, pride, or complacency. Choose to spread His fragrance by
living a life of joy, kindness, faith, humility, and bold faith.
No comments:
Post a Comment