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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Welcoming the Unwelcome

-
  Scripture: Luke 7:36-38 (NIV) 36  When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37  A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38  As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and poured perfume on them. Devotion:             First of all, some warnings to my readers. This post will exceed the 500 words I try to limit my posts. Second, this post will contain content people may find offensive or otherwise unfit for print. Please understand that my purpose is neither to offend nor upset but to provoke thought and, hopefully, respectful dialog.             We will use Luke chapt...
Read more

The Hatred of the World

-
Scripture: John 15:18-20 (ESV) 18  “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19  If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20  Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. Devotion:             This scripture is compelling. It explains what happened to Jesus and His disciples some 2,000 years ago. The message of God is rarely welcome news for the world. It calls out many of the culture's favorite practices for what they are: sin. Ever since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, humankind has been adamant about trying to hide or excuse their sin. Sin causes a barrier between humans and God that humanity cannot overcom...
Read more

Reflecting on Reformation Day

-
  On October 31st, millions of Christians around the world celebrate Reformation Day, a commemoration of a pivotal moment in church history. It marks the day in 1517 when Martin Luther, a German monk and scholar, nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. This act, challenging the practices and doctrines of the Catholic Church, ignited what we now know as the Protestant Reformation. The Courage to Stand for Truth Reformation Day calls us to reflect on the courage it takes to stand for truth. Martin Luther faced immense opposition and risked his life to speak against the corruption and abuses he saw within the church. His conviction was rooted in a deep understanding of scripture and a sincere desire to return to the teachings of Christ. As we remember Luther's bravery, let us examine our own lives. Are we willing to stand firm in our beliefs, even when it is difficult? Do we seek truth in God's word and let it guide our actions? Script...
Read more