WATCHWORD:
For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 TLB
In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life. 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 The Message
Meditation:
Do You Smell Like a Christian?
Terrible question, you say. Let me put it this way, Do you impart the fragrance of Christ to others, others that are saved through Him? What does that mean, anyway, to be the fragrance of Christ? Is there an aroma of love in your wake as you live your life and touch the lives of others?
Apostle Paul was on his way to Macedonia, planting lessons of Jesus and establishing home churches along the way. He talks about when God sets up a light, there is work of love to be done. What does Paul mean by that? I think he was talking about those times when the Holy Spirit nudged him to open his eyes to share the Word of God. Evidence of his responding to these nudges is reflected in the many churches that developed and thrived, as he moved on.
Paul writes in verse 14, Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the aroma of His knowledge in every place. The Message version sometimes speaks more directly to us, note that final verse: Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life.
Back to the intent of that original question: Does your life carry the aroma of life in Christ, in your wake do you leave behind the fragrance of Christ? I’m not talking about proselytizing, or sharing your faith journey, necessarily. In fact, I’m not even talking about words, I’m talking about the general sense that the Love of Christ was in the air and present in your interaction with others.
For Paul, the aroma that he left behind was found in the gatherings of people in the love of Christ, the forming of home churches, that grew and spread the Word. For us it might be more subtle, the comfort of a phone call, a meal prepared and delivered, a time just sitting with an ill friend, or reading to them. Touches that speak of the love of Christ, without words, just your presence, and the knowledge that the presence of the Lord was in this place. Amen.
A Reminder:
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place, I can feel His mighty power and His grace. I can feel the brush Angel wings, I see glory on each face. Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.
Closing Prayer:
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who, by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
