Did you ever notice how a particular fragrance can be imprinted in your memory? I could have been blind folded and led into my mother’s apartment, and I would have instantly known where I was. And, of course, I remember the fragrance of Bev’s perfume when I first met my wife 42 years ago. Not long ago, I spent two hours in Starbucks meeting with a friend, and when I returned home, I smelled just like Starbucks!
Paul wrote, “For we are the fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma of life to life” (2 Corinthians 2:15-16).
Think about the last part of that passage: “An aroma of life to life.” Jesus told us, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).
Unlike those who don't know Christ as their Savior, followers of Christ have a choice. We can live our lives submitted to the Lord allowing Christ to live His aroma of life through us. Or we can live in the flesh, and contaminate that sweet fragrance of life.
Far too many believers in Christ do not extend life to those who are closest to them: their spouse and children. Instead, they demand that things are done their way. There is not a culture of grace, love and kindness, but rather one primarily of rules and expectations . . . and if you don’t measure up, I’ll be mad or pout or worse.
We should conform to what the Lord reveals to us in the Bible when handling money or dealing with every other area of our lives. But if we want to be the fragrance of Christ, allow those closest to you to grow and blossom as they live in the environment of love, grace and kindness.
