WHAT IS THAT AROMA?

Have you ever considered the notion that you give off an aroma! We are not talking about whether you use deodorant or not. Listen to this quotation from the Bible:

"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ." 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 NKJV

Yes, we have a fragrance and if we love Jesus it is discernable, that is, people can tell that we love Jesus. The verses above teach us that the aroma of Jesus, in us, causes other Christians to notice that love but people whose hearts are far from God, also notice and they feel that we are a testimony, a witness, against their life style. The Christian might say that we are the aroma of life and the one who does not yet love Jesus might say, "What is that smell?" meaning you are making them uncomfortable.

The Bible says that it is God's will that no person perish, that is, to be banned from the presence of God forever. Therefore if someone is giving you a hard time because you have the aroma of Christ, it is not time to get into an argument with him or her. God loves them and is waiting patiently for them to repent, to turn from sin, and to have His Spirit and their spirit united. Our job is to love them even if they do not presently respect our love for Jesus.

Listen to one more quotation from the Apostle Paul: "Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma." Ephesians 5:1-2 NKJV

We are that sweet smelling aroma that pleases God as we walk in love. God is love and to be like Jesus is our goal. No one is perfect, as Jesus was, but His Spirit in you gives you a chance to be an "imitator of God."

Discuss whether you think you give off a Christ-like aroma as you live your life. How do you feel about being criticized for trying to be like Jesus? What choices do you have in reacting to someone who thinks you are trying to be too "good"?

Core Christian Value: We are to be imitators of Jesus Christ and in doing so we give off a sweet- smelling aroma, one that pleases God. That aroma may not please a person who does not love and honor God.