2 Corinthians 2:15-16 - For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. [16] To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?
A Weird Question
How do you smell today? I know, that’s a weird thing to ask. There are times when we may smell rather pleasant, for example, when we are preparing to celebrate a special occasion. There are other times when we may smell downright repelling. Speaking from personal experience, I’m sure I have smelled pretty awful to anyone within a mile of me, after taking a long walk on a hot and humid Florida morning.
But there is another scent that every true follower of Jesus Christ has. It is the aroma of Christ himself. Indeed, we are dressed in his garments, and they are saturated in his glorious fragrance. But sadly, this aroma doesn't smell the same to everyone.
The Fragrances of Life and Death
To those who “have put on” Christ, as well as those who are making their way to him to be fitted with his robe of righteousness, we are the “fragrance of life.” Only in Christ is there life – real life – for he is the author and sustainer of life, and it is he who makes all things new. Those who have eyes to see, ears to hear, and noses to smell, know the difference between life and death, and they want life.
However, in the nostrils of others there is a rotten, filthy stench about us. To those who are perishing in their own pride, wisdom, and efforts, we smell like death, for our very odor bears testimony to the One whom they have rejected, the One from whom they have fled.
The fragrance of Christ smells repugnant to them. They have grown accustomed to the foul smell of death that comes from the fallen and sinful patterns of this world and have found that fragrance normal, perhaps even pleasant. Paradoxically, life smells like death to them, and vice versa.
Love for Our Neighbors
We could sit in judgment of them, looking down our noses at them, pardon the pun. Or, we could have compassion on them for their self-inflicted predicament. We should, of course, remember how terrible Christ once smelled to us, even if we didn’t know it and never would have said so.
I think the beauty of our own scent ought to bring forth humility, gratitude, and service on our part, for our scent is not our own, but Christ’s. Once we remember this, we will know there is no time for judgmental hearts or mere pity. Instead, love for our neighbors should move within us a desire to awaken those who are running from (or simply oblivious to) the sweet smell of real life – life in Christ and his beautiful and pleasing aroma.
Walking Points
Do you remember what you were like when you embraced the world’s “scent” and despised the fragrance of Christ and his followers?
Humanly speaking, what first drew you to Christ?
Who do you know today that rejects Christ? What reason do they give for doing so? What do you think their real reason may be?
What are three things you can start doing today to reach out to them, so they too can enjoy the real life found only in Christ?
Prayer
Merciful Redeemer, you sought me, found me, and moved me from death to life. You have clothed me in the righteousness of Christ so that I am adorned in his clothing and have new life in him. My fragrance is his. I can only boast in him. I once was lost but now am found. I once was only able to smell the scent of death in Christ. Now I understand it was (and is) the aroma of real, abundant, and everlasting life. I pray, holy Father, that you would give me the same compassion for those who do not know you, as you have for them. The same compassion you have for me! Help me resist the sinful temptation to judge them for their rejection of you, their rebellion against you, and even their willful ignorance. Let my life always be consistent with the aroma of life that comes from you. Enable me to genuinely care for them and lovingly speak words of life that may help them desire to be clothed in your righteousness. In Christ I pray. Amen.
“I once was lost but now am found. I once was only able to smell the scent of death in Christ. Now I understand it was (and is) the aroma of real, abundant, and everlasting life.” What a creative means of describing God’s gift of salvation.