Fragrance of Christ

“For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” (2 Corinthians 2:15-17 English Standard Version (ESV)

“Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.” (New Living Translation)

This verse struck my attention this morning, in particular the first part, ‘For we are the aroma of Christ…..’

 

My mind associated the word aroma with a mental image of a burning incense or perfume being sprayed. The fragrance it gives out is pleasantly sweet. The sweetness attracts me to it and makes me want to ‘hang around’ it. The sweet fragrance will also drive or stimulate my curiosity to want to know the brand or the origin of the smell.

Just like the burning incense or the perfume, as we spend time with God, our knowledge of Him grows. We learn about who He is and who we are because of Him. As our knowledge grows, our lives, our behaviour changes. The old is gone and the new ways take over. Where ever we are whether at work or out in the community, we carry the fragrance of Christ. People will see who Christ is through our words and our actions. Our Christ-like aroma that is like a pleasantly sweet perfume will first attract people then cause them to seek the Source of the sweetness.

“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.” (2 Corinthians 2:14)