The Aroma of Life

 

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 (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. Who is sufficient for these things? ¹⁷ For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.

Devotion:

            My father fought in World War II. He had the job of entering concentration camps where thousands of Jews were slaughtered. My dad said that he could always tell when they were getting close to camp because the stench of death was so overpowering. We associate certain smells with specific events. In my Dad’s case, the association was perfectly revolting and was related to physical illness.

            Today’s reading also speaks of smells. It is a revelation that certain smells can mean either life or death, depending on the context. When we as Christians give off an odor of salvation and redemption, people will recognize that as something they want or reject. We need to come alongside those who acknowledge our aroma as the scent of life and help them receive the Lord into their life. But what do we do with those for whom our aroma indicates death?

            God ordains us to pray for such people. We are to pray that they will come to recognize the aroma of life before it is too late. Our lives must radiate joy in the Lord and optimism for the future. Our country is at a crossroads where we will either separate into two warring camps or come together as one serving God. Our aroma of life must be offered to every living soul. We must become (to quote Paul) all things to all people so that we might, by all means, save some.

            Think back to all the beautiful smells you have experienced—the smell of perfume on your partner during your first date. Your favorite meal made especially for you. These odors bring back positive emotions and a sense of peace. Now think back to the foul odors you have encountered in your life, possibly even the stench of the death of a loved one. Seek to hold on to the positive memories. We must seek to be the aroma of life wherever we go. We are undeserving of the honor of burying our dead. Let us pray that in eternal life, our loved ones will continue to have the odor of life in our hearts and memories,

Prayer:

            Lord, help us always to be agents of life and not death. When people meet us, may they be captivated by our Christlikeness. Help us always be salt, light, and a pleasing aroma before God. May God bless us with the ability to radiate His presence in thought, word, deed, and aroma so that we may bring many to Christ to receive salvation. Glory to God in the highest, and peace to us, His people on earth. Amen.