2 Corinthians 2:14-16, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us
in victory through Christ. God uses us to spread His knowledge everywhere like
a sweet-smelling perfume. Our offering to God is to be the
perfume of Christ that goes out to those who are being saved and to those who
are being lost. To those who are being lost, this perfume
smells like death, and it brings them death. But to those who are being saved,
it has the sweet smell of life, and it brings them life...”
(ERV)
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love perfumes! Some of my favorites are: “Flowerbomb” (Viktor & Rolf); “Euphoria” (Calvin Klein); “Daisy” (Marc Jacobs); “Jimmy Choo”; “Light Blue” and "The One" (Dolce & Gabbana); "Black Opium" (Yves Saint Laurent); "Candy" (Prada); "Gucci Bamboo"; "Rogue" (Rihanna); “Cashmere Mist” (Donna Karan); “Fancy” (Jessica Simpson). Just to name a few…in case you so happen to see it and think of me…lol!
But, for many years my absolute favorite scent of choice was “White Diamonds” (Elizabeth Taylor). You didn’t have to ask me what I was wearing, because that was all I wore! In fact, I remember leaving work early one day and coming home. By the time my kids got in from school, they immediately went in their room and turned on the television. I assumed they had no idea I was home early. So I stayed in my room, still quietly reading a novel and relaxing for a while longer. Then, I decided to pick on the kids. I thought I would just randomly open their bedroom door and scream “boo!” I just knew without a shadow of a doubt that they would be scared to death! And so I made my big attempt to scare them. I snatched the door open, jumped in the room and screamed “boo!” However, both of them turned and looked at me as if I had lost my entire mind. My oldest daughter said, “mom, are you okay?” And then my youngest daughter added, “yeah ma, because you look a little crazy”. I asked, “didn’t I scare you?” They both responded “no”. I asked, “why not?” My oldest said, “mom, we already knew you were home.” I said, “how is that possible? I didn’t tell anyone I was coming home early.” My oldest responds yet again? “ma, you don’t have to tell anyone you’re home, we can smell you.” LOL! I thought that was the most comical remark I had ever heard. Even if they didn’t SEE me or HEAR me, they could SMELL me. They knew my SCENT because I was never without it!
That comical memory reminded me of 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 - sort of a perfume verse if you will. It opens with: "But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession…" (NIV) Now, I don't know what you're going through right now, but that's got to be a great verse for whatever it is! Because no matter what we face from day-to-day, God, "…ALWAYS leads us in triumphant procession in Christ." And one of the favorite words in that text is “…ALWAYS…” Why? Because "...ALWAYS..." is defined as: "On All Occasions; At All Times; Forever; Repeatedly." So, we never have to be concerned about God forgetting about us (no matter how we feel or how bad things become). He will “…ALWAYS…” lead us in triumph (ON ALL OCCASIONS; AT ALL TIMES; FOREVER; REPEATEDLY!) Even if it’s getting the best of us now, it won’t always! Therefore, be encouraged! Victory is not just possible for the believer, it’s Inevitable. And that wonderful word “inevitable” means “certain to happen; unavoidable.” Its Latin Origin “inevitabilis,” from “in” (‘not’) and “evitare” (‘avoid’). In other words, you will not be able to avoid victory! It is certain to happen! Your victory is unavoidable! I reiterate, Be Encouraged!
But then God goes on to say, "…and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere." (NIV). I'm pretty sure you know someone who is sort of preceded by the aroma of their cologne or their perfume. Much like I was with my kids and my “White Diamonds” perfume. You kind of know they're coming before you see them; because you can smell them. And even after they're gone, the aroma still lingers.
Well, church, the impact of our life here is described as a fragrance, somewhat of a parable (something we, as women, can most certainly relate to in our everyday life). The knowledge of Christ is what we're supposed to leave behind us, no matter where we go, or how long we stay. That means that people are thinking about Jesus even after we’ve long passed them by and left their presence. We in essence, create a Jesus atmosphere around us. Now, modern Christianity measures our influence by our actions - the words we speak, the groups we lead, the good deeds we do, the people we helped, the activities we support. But our greatest influence doesn't come through any of that. Our greatest influence comes through the atmosphere we create while others are in our presence, and more so, once we’ve left.
Everywhere we are we're creating some kind of atmosphere; some kind of aroma; some kind of fragrance; some kind of smell; some kind of scent. But the question is: What kind?
Think about it: When you walk into your home, do you bring stress with you, or gentleness, affection? Coldness or warmth? Peace or Chaos? Happiness or misery? What kind of atmosphere does your presence, and absence, leave behind? Are people happy to see you come, or happier to see you go? Do you make them smile or frown? Do you make them feel loved or unwanted? What kind of atmosphere accompanies you at work; at school; at church; in the laundromat; in the supermarket; stuck in traffic; at the doctors office; when you're in pain? Do people walk towards you or away from you?
I guess after all is said and done, people won't remember much that you said or even a lot of what you did. But they'll remember the atmosphere you set when you arrived and when you left. They'll remember how they felt when you were around.
As believers, there are certain characteristics and traits that should daily be our trademark. That word “trademark” is defined as “a symbol, word, or words, legally registered or established by use as representing a company or product; a distinctive characteristic or object.” What then is the believer’s trademark? “But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 AMP) This is the sweet smelling fruit people should smell in us when we’re in their presence, and long after we’ve left. They should never smell the rotten odor of a bad attitude. As believers, we are Christ’s representatives, we are the image and likeness of the God-Head; we are billboards of what heaven looks like; we are called by the very name of Christ, therefore, most certainly people look for us to look, act, and sound just like Him. After all, how can He be unconditionally loving, compassionate, patient, forgiving, caring, gentle, and healing…and we, called by His name, be the contrary opposite?
Matthew 23:3, “so practice and observe everything they tell you, but do not do as they do; for they preach [things], but do not practice them.” (AMP). Do you really want this to be descriptive of you? That you can lead someone in the right way, while you, yourself continues in the wrong? Be used of God to help someone else, while hurting yourself in the same process? We can’t be called by Him, and not conduct ourselves like Him. We have to preach AND practice!
John 13:15, “For I gave you [this as] an example, so that you should do [in turn] as I did for you.” (AMP);
John 14:12, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father.” (AMP)
This is the expectation Jesus has of us! To do as He did and to do even greater….not less; even better, not worse!
Listen: Maybe your actions - your good actions even - are canceled out by the atmosphere of stress, or criticism, or negativity, or insensitivity that you create while you're doing all of those good things. You see, it's the atmosphere that really makes the difference. For instance, would you want someone who’s always bitter, resentful, angry, jealous, mean-spirited, and malicious, to walk up to you in your hour of need and say to you, “can I pray with you?” How silly does that sound? You would run in the opposite direction as fast as possible, because whatever they have on them you most definitely don’t want transferred to you! Which takes us back to our text: “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in victory through Christ. God uses us to spread His knowledge everywhere like a sweet-smelling perfume. Our offering to God is to be the perfume of Christ that goes out to those who are being saved and to those who are being lost. To those who are being lost, this perfume smells like death, and it brings them death. But to those who are being saved, it has the sweet smell of life, and it brings them life...” (ERV)
For one, “…GOD USES US TO SPREAD HIS KNOWLEDGE EVERYWHERE…” That means in church, in our homes, on our jobs, at the gas station, in the library, in traffic, in the presence of friends, family and foes…EVERYWHERE! The word “everywhere” is simply defined as “in or to all places.” Meaning, we as Christians, are never off-duty! Our scent should never fade! We should smell like Christ even when they cut us off or curse us out; even when our hair and nails didn’t come out like we asked and paid for them to; even when we’re being deliberately provoked; even when we’re talked and gossiped about; even when the rumors are threatening to destroy our reputation; even when we’re not supported and encouraged. Our aroma should never be altered because of someone else’s funky attitude! Everywhere we go we are to smell like the Fruit of the Spirit, not like Rotting Flesh! Remember the Scripture: “…God uses us to spread His knowledge everywhere like a sweet-smelling perfume…” NOTE: That says “Sweet”, not “Sour”!
Then it goes on to say: “…Our offering to God is to be the perfume of Christ that goes out to those who are being saved and to those who are being lost. To those who are being lost, this perfume smells like death, and it brings them death. But to those who are being saved, it has the sweet smell of life, and it brings them life...” (ERV)
Believe it or not, but “offerings” are not always about money! I know, who knew?! But it’s true, says this Scripture. “…Our OFFERING TO GOD is to be the PERFUME OF CHRIST…” it may not be money, but it is certainly of great worth, and valued in the eyes of God. To smell like Christ is an offering to God. So, have you been giving God this offering, or one that doesn’t smell quite as sweet?
Then we come to the last of the Scripture: “…Our offering to God is to be the perfume of Christ that goes out to those who are being saved and to those who are being lost. To those who are being lost, this perfume smells like death, and it brings them death. But to those who are being saved, it has the sweet smell of life, and it brings them life...” (ERV) Despite what you may see in many churches today, there should still be a distinction between them that are saved, and them that are not! And the two should never find themselves so comfortable, and compatible with one another that you can’t tell the difference between the two!
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love perfumes! Some of my favorites are: “Flowerbomb” (Viktor & Rolf); “Euphoria” (Calvin Klein); “Daisy” (Marc Jacobs); “Jimmy Choo”; “Light Blue” and "The One" (Dolce & Gabbana); "Black Opium" (Yves Saint Laurent); "Candy" (Prada); "Gucci Bamboo"; "Rogue" (Rihanna); “Cashmere Mist” (Donna Karan); “Fancy” (Jessica Simpson). Just to name a few…in case you so happen to see it and think of me…lol!
But, for many years my absolute favorite scent of choice was “White Diamonds” (Elizabeth Taylor). You didn’t have to ask me what I was wearing, because that was all I wore! In fact, I remember leaving work early one day and coming home. By the time my kids got in from school, they immediately went in their room and turned on the television. I assumed they had no idea I was home early. So I stayed in my room, still quietly reading a novel and relaxing for a while longer. Then, I decided to pick on the kids. I thought I would just randomly open their bedroom door and scream “boo!” I just knew without a shadow of a doubt that they would be scared to death! And so I made my big attempt to scare them. I snatched the door open, jumped in the room and screamed “boo!” However, both of them turned and looked at me as if I had lost my entire mind. My oldest daughter said, “mom, are you okay?” And then my youngest daughter added, “yeah ma, because you look a little crazy”. I asked, “didn’t I scare you?” They both responded “no”. I asked, “why not?” My oldest said, “mom, we already knew you were home.” I said, “how is that possible? I didn’t tell anyone I was coming home early.” My oldest responds yet again? “ma, you don’t have to tell anyone you’re home, we can smell you.” LOL! I thought that was the most comical remark I had ever heard. Even if they didn’t SEE me or HEAR me, they could SMELL me. They knew my SCENT because I was never without it!
That comical memory reminded me of 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 - sort of a perfume verse if you will. It opens with: "But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession…" (NIV) Now, I don't know what you're going through right now, but that's got to be a great verse for whatever it is! Because no matter what we face from day-to-day, God, "…ALWAYS leads us in triumphant procession in Christ." And one of the favorite words in that text is “…ALWAYS…” Why? Because "...ALWAYS..." is defined as: "On All Occasions; At All Times; Forever; Repeatedly." So, we never have to be concerned about God forgetting about us (no matter how we feel or how bad things become). He will “…ALWAYS…” lead us in triumph (ON ALL OCCASIONS; AT ALL TIMES; FOREVER; REPEATEDLY!) Even if it’s getting the best of us now, it won’t always! Therefore, be encouraged! Victory is not just possible for the believer, it’s Inevitable. And that wonderful word “inevitable” means “certain to happen; unavoidable.” Its Latin Origin “inevitabilis,” from “in” (‘not’) and “evitare” (‘avoid’). In other words, you will not be able to avoid victory! It is certain to happen! Your victory is unavoidable! I reiterate, Be Encouraged!
But then God goes on to say, "…and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere." (NIV). I'm pretty sure you know someone who is sort of preceded by the aroma of their cologne or their perfume. Much like I was with my kids and my “White Diamonds” perfume. You kind of know they're coming before you see them; because you can smell them. And even after they're gone, the aroma still lingers.
Well, church, the impact of our life here is described as a fragrance, somewhat of a parable (something we, as women, can most certainly relate to in our everyday life). The knowledge of Christ is what we're supposed to leave behind us, no matter where we go, or how long we stay. That means that people are thinking about Jesus even after we’ve long passed them by and left their presence. We in essence, create a Jesus atmosphere around us. Now, modern Christianity measures our influence by our actions - the words we speak, the groups we lead, the good deeds we do, the people we helped, the activities we support. But our greatest influence doesn't come through any of that. Our greatest influence comes through the atmosphere we create while others are in our presence, and more so, once we’ve left.
Everywhere we are we're creating some kind of atmosphere; some kind of aroma; some kind of fragrance; some kind of smell; some kind of scent. But the question is: What kind?
Think about it: When you walk into your home, do you bring stress with you, or gentleness, affection? Coldness or warmth? Peace or Chaos? Happiness or misery? What kind of atmosphere does your presence, and absence, leave behind? Are people happy to see you come, or happier to see you go? Do you make them smile or frown? Do you make them feel loved or unwanted? What kind of atmosphere accompanies you at work; at school; at church; in the laundromat; in the supermarket; stuck in traffic; at the doctors office; when you're in pain? Do people walk towards you or away from you?
I guess after all is said and done, people won't remember much that you said or even a lot of what you did. But they'll remember the atmosphere you set when you arrived and when you left. They'll remember how they felt when you were around.
As believers, there are certain characteristics and traits that should daily be our trademark. That word “trademark” is defined as “a symbol, word, or words, legally registered or established by use as representing a company or product; a distinctive characteristic or object.” What then is the believer’s trademark? “But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 AMP) This is the sweet smelling fruit people should smell in us when we’re in their presence, and long after we’ve left. They should never smell the rotten odor of a bad attitude. As believers, we are Christ’s representatives, we are the image and likeness of the God-Head; we are billboards of what heaven looks like; we are called by the very name of Christ, therefore, most certainly people look for us to look, act, and sound just like Him. After all, how can He be unconditionally loving, compassionate, patient, forgiving, caring, gentle, and healing…and we, called by His name, be the contrary opposite?
Matthew 23:3, “so practice and observe everything they tell you, but do not do as they do; for they preach [things], but do not practice them.” (AMP). Do you really want this to be descriptive of you? That you can lead someone in the right way, while you, yourself continues in the wrong? Be used of God to help someone else, while hurting yourself in the same process? We can’t be called by Him, and not conduct ourselves like Him. We have to preach AND practice!
John 13:15, “For I gave you [this as] an example, so that you should do [in turn] as I did for you.” (AMP);
John 14:12, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father.” (AMP)
This is the expectation Jesus has of us! To do as He did and to do even greater….not less; even better, not worse!
Listen: Maybe your actions - your good actions even - are canceled out by the atmosphere of stress, or criticism, or negativity, or insensitivity that you create while you're doing all of those good things. You see, it's the atmosphere that really makes the difference. For instance, would you want someone who’s always bitter, resentful, angry, jealous, mean-spirited, and malicious, to walk up to you in your hour of need and say to you, “can I pray with you?” How silly does that sound? You would run in the opposite direction as fast as possible, because whatever they have on them you most definitely don’t want transferred to you! Which takes us back to our text: “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in victory through Christ. God uses us to spread His knowledge everywhere like a sweet-smelling perfume. Our offering to God is to be the perfume of Christ that goes out to those who are being saved and to those who are being lost. To those who are being lost, this perfume smells like death, and it brings them death. But to those who are being saved, it has the sweet smell of life, and it brings them life...” (ERV)
For one, “…GOD USES US TO SPREAD HIS KNOWLEDGE EVERYWHERE…” That means in church, in our homes, on our jobs, at the gas station, in the library, in traffic, in the presence of friends, family and foes…EVERYWHERE! The word “everywhere” is simply defined as “in or to all places.” Meaning, we as Christians, are never off-duty! Our scent should never fade! We should smell like Christ even when they cut us off or curse us out; even when our hair and nails didn’t come out like we asked and paid for them to; even when we’re being deliberately provoked; even when we’re talked and gossiped about; even when the rumors are threatening to destroy our reputation; even when we’re not supported and encouraged. Our aroma should never be altered because of someone else’s funky attitude! Everywhere we go we are to smell like the Fruit of the Spirit, not like Rotting Flesh! Remember the Scripture: “…God uses us to spread His knowledge everywhere like a sweet-smelling perfume…” NOTE: That says “Sweet”, not “Sour”!
Then it goes on to say: “…Our offering to God is to be the perfume of Christ that goes out to those who are being saved and to those who are being lost. To those who are being lost, this perfume smells like death, and it brings them death. But to those who are being saved, it has the sweet smell of life, and it brings them life...” (ERV)
Believe it or not, but “offerings” are not always about money! I know, who knew?! But it’s true, says this Scripture. “…Our OFFERING TO GOD is to be the PERFUME OF CHRIST…” it may not be money, but it is certainly of great worth, and valued in the eyes of God. To smell like Christ is an offering to God. So, have you been giving God this offering, or one that doesn’t smell quite as sweet?
Then we come to the last of the Scripture: “…Our offering to God is to be the perfume of Christ that goes out to those who are being saved and to those who are being lost. To those who are being lost, this perfume smells like death, and it brings them death. But to those who are being saved, it has the sweet smell of life, and it brings them life...” (ERV) Despite what you may see in many churches today, there should still be a distinction between them that are saved, and them that are not! And the two should never find themselves so comfortable, and compatible with one another that you can’t tell the difference between the two!
2 Corinthians 6:14-18, “Don’t
become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out
of right and wrong? That’s not partnership; that’s war. Is light best friends
with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold
hands? Who would think of setting up pagan idols in God’s holy Temple? But that
is exactly what we are, each of us a temple in whom God lives. God himself put
it this way: “I’ll live in
them, move into them; I’ll be their God and they’ll be my people. So leave
the corruption and compromise; leave it for good,” says God. “Don’t link
up with those who will pollute you. I want you all for myself. I’ll be a
Father to you; you’ll be sons and daughters to me.” The Word of the
Master, God.” (MSG)
There should be a distinction
People of God! Unbelievers should come in our presence and smell the scent of
death. If you don’t get right, hell is your heritage. And believers should come
in our presence and smell the scent of life! We should look, act and sound like
heaven, hope and healing. No matter where we go (or as the Scripture puts
it, everywhere we go) we should smell like the Fragrance of Christ. There
should always be a distinctive scent about us. We should make believers feel
encouraged, and unbelievers, feel uncomfortable. They need to see the wide gap
between having Christ and not having Him. They should wonder about our joy in
the midst of turmoil. How do we keep our faith, how do we continue to smile,
how do we continue to serve, how do we continue to hope, to trust, to believe
for better, even while enduring the worst. They should smell victory in our
presence, and in our absence. Our Fragrance of Christ, the Fragrance of Life
should follow us and linger behind us.
So, about our aroma, yeah, it's there longer than we are, and the aroma that we should be leaving is the finest of fragrances. We should leave behind us a trail of joy, and peace, and blessing, making people feel important and listened to, and cared about. Actually, what you should leave behind is the essence of Jesus.
So church, before you go shopping for your favorite fragrance, take some quiet time to yourself and inhale, do you have on the most important scent of all? Do you smell like Christ? Do you smell like love, understanding, comfort, belief, change? Do you smell like life? If not, going to the store may get you a fragrance that people can smell in your presence and absence. However, you can’t purchase the Fragrance of Christ that changes lives. It’s not bought, borrowed, lent or stolen. It’s Lived! It’s Shared! It’s Sweet! It’s Long-Lasting! A perfume bought from the store will change the scent of an atmosphere for a little while, but the Fragrance of Christ will change the scent of an atmosphere, and a person’s entire life for an eternity.
Therefore, of the two, which do you think God deems the sweetest scent?
Dare I ask you again family, Are You Wearing the Fragrance of Christ?
P.S. The more consistent you wear His fragrance, the more known you’ll become for it. Like me and my white diamonds, my children knew I was home by the scent I always wore. So, let that be your testament too, that you always smell like the fragrance of Christ, even when people can’t see or hear you, they always smell your sweet scent of LIFE…EVERYWHERE YOU COME AND GO!
So, about our aroma, yeah, it's there longer than we are, and the aroma that we should be leaving is the finest of fragrances. We should leave behind us a trail of joy, and peace, and blessing, making people feel important and listened to, and cared about. Actually, what you should leave behind is the essence of Jesus.
So church, before you go shopping for your favorite fragrance, take some quiet time to yourself and inhale, do you have on the most important scent of all? Do you smell like Christ? Do you smell like love, understanding, comfort, belief, change? Do you smell like life? If not, going to the store may get you a fragrance that people can smell in your presence and absence. However, you can’t purchase the Fragrance of Christ that changes lives. It’s not bought, borrowed, lent or stolen. It’s Lived! It’s Shared! It’s Sweet! It’s Long-Lasting! A perfume bought from the store will change the scent of an atmosphere for a little while, but the Fragrance of Christ will change the scent of an atmosphere, and a person’s entire life for an eternity.
Therefore, of the two, which do you think God deems the sweetest scent?
Dare I ask you again family, Are You Wearing the Fragrance of Christ?
P.S. The more consistent you wear His fragrance, the more known you’ll become for it. Like me and my white diamonds, my children knew I was home by the scent I always wore. So, let that be your testament too, that you always smell like the fragrance of Christ, even when people can’t see or hear you, they always smell your sweet scent of LIFE…EVERYWHERE YOU COME AND GO!
Much Love, Dr.Shermaine #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)
"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)
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