Passing the Smell Test

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Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 (ESV)

14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.

Devotion:

            The picture Paul so carefully draws in this scripture is strange to modern ears. We need to travel back in time to discover what Paul is describing for us here. In ancient Rome when a Roman General won a great victory, he would parade the prisoners of war around the city. During the parade the spectators would burn incense in celebration of the occasion. The odor would be pleasing to the spectators and soldiers, but the smell would be the smell of death to the prisoners of war who would soon be executed.

            It is this scene that Paul so vividly describes. A scene that would have been quite familiar to the people in Corinth. The church there would understand exactly what Paul was saying. Even if it is unfamiliar to us.

 Paul pictures Christ leading the procession as a conquering general leading His soldiers and His captives through the city. We can see in our minds what that scene must have looked like. We can imagine what it would look like today. It is clear that to some in our culture today the smell of Christ is recognized as the smell of death. For those of us who believe the fragrance of Christ is life giving. The question we need to ask ourselves is do we smell like Christ? Do we pass the smell test?

How do we acquire the fragrance of Christ? First, we must believe in Christ as our savior. Then we must display the love of Christ wherever we go. We must trust and obey our Savior Jesus Christ. Only then can we be sure we will pass the smell test. We present ourselves daily to Christ as a living sacrifice. We live daily as followers and disciples of our Lord. We should not be surprised if some people think we have the smell of death all around us. It is proof of the genuineness of our witness if people think evil of us for doing good. Let us pray that God will make us a sweet-smelling offering to Him.

Prayer:

            Heavenly Father, we praise your name today. We give you thanks that we are able to offer our lives to you as a living sacrifice. May our offering smell sweet to you and to those who follow you. May we be prepared for negative reactions to our work for you. Your word tells us to expect that. Glorify your Son in us dear Lord. May we seek to follow Christ wherever He leads us celebrating His work of redemption on the cross. May we be like a sweet-smelling offering to you o God every day. Amen.

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