The Fragrance of Christ

by Barbara Latta

Department store cosmetic counters are usually full of  various exotic fragrances in multi-colored bottles. Each one has a distinct scent with a purpose for those who partake of the scented liquid.

Perfume leaves a sweet aura

Sales clerks expertly dole out spritzes to those who are willing participants when trying to make a sale. Everyone who accepts the offering leaves the store with a sweet aura around her. However, on one such shopping occasion, I noticed a dirty, foul-smelling woman using as many free samples as she could, but it did nothing to disguise the underlying cause of the odor.   

When we are in Christ our lives are a fragrant offering to God and also to those around us. But when we exhibit bad traits we are layering the scent of the world’s actions and attitudes onto ourselves which leaves the trail of stench wherever we go. Our bad deeds cannot be covered up by doing a good thing or two. The heart issue will show through and be obvious to others by the scent drifting from us.

“For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 2:15 NKJV).

Bad deeds can be like a bad smell

A foul smelling body cannot be covered up by perfume. Instead, the ugly aroma is mixed with the sweet which makes the bad become more amplified despite the disguise. A body that is washed will not be offensive to others. A heart that has been cleansed will result in good works which will waft a sweet savor to God and man.

In Christ, I am clean, but every day I must be careful of what kind of perfume I am allowing to come upon me. The actions I exhibit leave behind the intent of my heart. To those who are perishing my fragrance can lead them to God, and to the saved I am part of the body of Christ, the sweetest offering of all.

Today's Roadmap: I will be more aware of the kind of fragrance my actions leave in the nostrils of those around me. I will wear the fragrance of Christ and draw others to Him.

Leave your comments and join the conversation. How do you exhibit the fragrance of Christ?