“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Ephesians 5:1-2 (NAS)
One of the most beautiful and fragrant gardens in the world is the Butchart Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. This fifty-five acres of floral displays, offers spectacular views along meandering paths and expansive lawns. It is a horticultural experience that delights people from wherever they come across the world.
Butchart Gardens have blessed tourists for 100+ years. This exquisite masterpiece of gardening is a remarkable testimony to the beauty of God’s handiwork. It is truly one of the “loveliest corners in the world.”
One of the most memorable points of these gardens is the wonderful fragrances. A person can linger anywhere along the paths and enjoy the sweet fragrance of flowers in full bloom. Butchart Gardens is more than beautiful landscapes. It is a paradise of marvelous fragrance!
Some Christians seem to think that all they need to do is present a façade of discipleship. They don’t seem to understand that “following Christ” is more than religious landscaping. Christ imitators “walk in love.” Christ imitators give themselves as “an offering and sacrifice.” Christ imitation emits “a fragrant aroma.”
Dear Father, thank you for the fragrant sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Grant to us a sacrificial lifestyle that emits the fragrance of Christ to those around us. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today and imitate Christ,