July 31, 2018
For we are to God the
pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are
perishing. 2Cor 2:15
Living holy for Jesus
encourages those who are following God and challenges those who are not---don't
be upset about it, expect it.
Just because something smells good doesn’t mean everyone
will like it.
I worked for a small company many years ago that shared the
floor of our building with another company.
One of the men in that other company wore a specific cologne, and often
put it on in the men’s bathroom, where the odor could travel the hallway and
bathrooms. He must have liked the
cologne, because you could smell it for hours after he put it on. It wasn’t a bad smell, even as heavy as he
applied it, but the secretary in our office often complained about it. I asked her one time why she disliked it so
much, and she answered it was the cologne an old boyfriend used to use. It reminded her of him, as well as the pain
they both had inflicted on each other.
Paul calls those who believe in Jesus the aroma of
Christ. He is referring to the Jewish
sacrifices done for years as an offering to God at the Temple. Paul believed that Christians didn’t sacrifice
animals to please God any longer.
Instead, they sacrificed themselves as a living offering. By doing so, it brought honor to Jesus and
changed our lives.
But that aroma has two effects: It becomes an encouragement to others who
believe, giving them the strength and desire to serve God better and not give
up. But it also became aromatic reminder
to those who don’t believe that they were not following God. Some would get upset about that, and want to stop
the smell. Either way, the aroma has an effect.
Paul warns the church to expect both reactions. Some will like the smell of our living for
Jesus, and others will reject it.
Instead of trying to please everyone, keep sacrificing your life on the
altar to God. Be an encouragement to
other believers, and be a blessing to God.
And who knows, your life might just inspire someone far from God to
consider Him when they face a crisis.
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