SCRIPTURE For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 ESV
THOUGHT Paul said once he didn’t come with persuasive words of wisdom, but I think he may have understated himself. He was – and still is – colorful, powerful, and blessed with the integrity that an incredible conversion experience gives one.
He once said that because of Christ in us, we smell like death to those who are hell-bent, but like life to God and those who love him. That’s colorful, isn’t it, engaging olfactory nerves in faith? Paul says our spiritual “smell” is not entirely up to us, but is a mingling of who is at the core of our life, with who is at the core of the others’ life. As I interact with the cashier, the salesperson, the repair person or the wait staff, my words and actions may smell of either life or death, depending on where their heart is.
We don’t control the outcomes as we follow Christ and share the good news of his death and resurrection. If we smell like life, it is a wonderful miracle we, buried and raised with Christ, cannot take credit for.
PRAYER God who holds both death and resurrection, Lent and Easter, hold us on this journey as we interact with the culture around us. As we lift Christ up, draw all people to yourself so that we emerge from our encounters smelling like life! Amen.
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Blogger Amy Clemens is the author of Walking When You’d Rather Fly: Meditations on Faith After the Fall. In it she explores childhood sexual abuse and how it impacted her faith (or lack thereof) for four decades. You’ll find not only her story, but better yet, the Big Story of God.
Check out Walking When You’d Rather Fly, and learn more about the book and Amy’s other ministries. You will also find her devotional work at Words of Hope.
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