14-16In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse. (The Message)
Some people who have sensitivities to perfumes can tell you right away when someone has been in the space they are in with a particular scent. They can tell there is a fragrance present that others don't seem to notice. The image can be positive if the smell brings good memories to mind. It might be negative if the person is repulsed by the smell. Paul says that believers leave a fragrance where ever they go. It is a scent that should be sweet both to God and to others.
What do you smell like?
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- How important do you think perfumes were for the people of Paul's day?
- How do you think Paul would describe a person who smelled of Jesus?
- What 'scent' did you leave behind yesterday in the places you were?
- Is there any way you could improve the way you 'smell?'
No comments:
Post a Comment