“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.”
2 Corinthians 2:14-17 (NIV)
If it is fragrant, it smells good. If it smells bad, it is an odor. Without doubt, all of us have heard references to the smell of death. On the other hand, how many have ever heard of the smell of life? According to the Apostle Paul, both life and death possess an aroma. In today’s text, Paul is not arguing for regular baths or the use of perfumes. Rather, he is contrasting those who are victorious through Christ with those who only want to profit from the Word of God. He shows us God’s perspective: believers emit an aroma that impacts both the saved and the unsaved around them. To those who are being saved, we smell good; but to those who are perishing in their sin, we stink. Now, understand they smell themselves. Our life in Christ simply makes either the fragrance or the stench more pungent to them.
Who could possibly make this sort of impact on everyone, everywhere, at all times? Certainly, it is not within our power to make such an impact. Since God leads us in triumph through Christ, it must also be God who causes our aroma to spread throughout our world. Unfortunately, as in the first century, some 21st century believers smell like profiteers, and others smell like genuine men and women from God. The great Apostle said he was one of the latter. I want to smell good too, don’t you?
Dear Father, thank you for the victory and fragrance of Jesus Christ. Clothe us with his fragrance. Empower us with the smell of life. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today with the smell of life,