Fragrance of Christ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plN1TK1P3SM 

Incense ~ The Belonging Co. (feat. Sarah Reeves)

 For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which ascends] to God, [discernible both] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; ~ 2 Corinthians 2:15 AMP 

Every summer, growing up, my grandparents dried their laundry in the sun. Sun-dried sheets were my favorite. They had a soft, gentle smell which was a distinguishing smell of summertime, almost as much as watermelon, grilled burgers, and fireworks smoke. A few years ago, I found a candle claiming it smelled like clothes dried in the sun. Let me assure you, it did not! I understand wanting to bottle those childhood memories, but an imitation of the real thing is repelling. 

2 Corinthians 2:15 says, “For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which ascends] to God.” Because we abide in and belong to Christ, God breathes us in as a sweet fragrance. A humble and sincere heart, fully devoted to the Lord is a sweet fragrance in which God is well-pleased. But it’s not just God who notices this fragrance. 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 say that “among those who are perishing” we are “a fatal, offensive odor”. But “among those who are being saved” we are “a vital fragrance, living and fresh”. 

In his Bible commentary, David Guzik explained that the Romans celebrated their war heroes with a parade and burning incense, as the soldiers marched their captives through the streets. To the Romans, the incense was the sweet smell of victory. But to the captives, it was the smell of death, as well as bitter and utter defeat, (Blueletterbible.com). To those who are being saved by receiving Christ, our sharing the gospel with them is like the sweet smell of life and victory. But to those who refuse, our sharing the Good News is repulsive, a fatal odor. 

 The world is going to judge for itself what is a sweet aroma or a repulsive stench. Our job isn’t to water-down the gospel to fit their liking, but to be obedient in sharing Christ where, how, and with whom Holy Spirit leads. At the end of the day, it’s not man with whom I want to be concerned. Instead, I’d rather my Father look at me and say that I am a sweet fragrance with whom He is well pleased. ©Heather Potts 2021