What Fragrance Do You Carry?
But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ’s victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere, for we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing: To the latter it is an aroma [wafted] from death to death [a fatal odor, the smell of doom]; to the former it is an aroma from life to life [a vital fragrance, living and fresh]. And who is qualified (fit and sufficient) for these things?
2 Corinthians 2:14-16 AMPC
Once again we gathered in the circle to pray for one another and surrender to the Lord all the details of our day of worship and Bible study. Tissues wiped tears as we exchanged our burdens for His victory. Truly there was a sweet, sweet spirit in that place. As Peggy quietly slipped into the circle, we paused and rejoiced in her being with us. She brought with her the sweetest scent. I think it was perfume, but the truth is she carries the fragrance of Christ so powerfully that no perfume is necessary. Many are drawn to the love and kindness of God that she carries. Yes, she is a fragrant aroma to the Lord telling of His glorious life within her.
The music began and we all scattered to find our places. As I sat down, a friend leaned over and whispered, “You smell so good.” I responded with a quick “thank you”, remembering the new body lotion I had slathered on my legs and arms earlier that morning. I could smell me too and this sweetness was much stronger than any body lotion. I smiled when understanding came because it was actually a combination of the fragrances of fifty-something hugs I had received from my sisters. As I had roamed about hugging everyone, I had taken on their scent. It was a beautiful smell of the joy of the Lord and the love of the Lord shed abroad in our hearts.
Beyond this precious gathering with my sisters, I remember a hug from the past that didn’t leave such a gracious memory. I especially remember the one that left me scented with seriously bad body odor and vomit. I had hugged and held the broken woman until she could hold herself up. I couldn’t get rid of the odor until I had stripped off my clothing and bathed. I can’t help but wonder how often my negative thinking and selfish attitude have smelled up someone else’s day.
I am coming to accept more and more my responsibility of watching over my heart.
Proverbs 23:7 says, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is.” What I think on shapes my life. From my thoughts I form beliefs that turn into actions from which emanates an aroma. This smell is contagious and I actually spread it around everywhere I go. It enters the room with me and affects those I come in close contact with.
When I believe a lie about myself, that’s who I will be.
When I think negatively about another person or a circumstance, it will spread like a bad odor.
When I live anxious and worried, I will diffuse anxiety all around.
When I allow bitterness to take root in my heart, it will spread through the atmosphere.
When I walk with rejection, I will take rejection into the room I step.
Likewise, when I dwell on good things as Paul teaches us in Philippians 4:8-9, it will change me and the scent that I carry.
"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you."
As I spend time in His presence, my thinking changes.
He offers the truth that renews my mind totally transforming me into a new creature. In His presence everything becomes new.
Ponder with me and ask yourself: “What fragrance do I carry?”
Let Him strip you, wash you and dress you with truth. He is the truth and His word is truth. From His presence you will arise with the fragrant aroma of the love of Jesus. Think about it! You, yes you, are a carrier of His scent. Let Him freely flow through you and touch the hearts of men and women longing to know Him.
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love,
just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
Ephesians 5:1-2