“To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?” 1 Corinthians 2:16
Just before this verse Paul stated that all believers are led as captives by God in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses believers to spread an aroma of Him everywhere. Christ is showing believers off to the world and to Satan. He had triumphed over death and brought all to life.
The devil thought he had beat Jesus when Jesus died on the cross, but three days later He arose in triumph. Whenever a person starts to believe in Jesus, it just shows the victory that He has over the devil and the world.
As a believer walks around in this world, he will bring an aroma with him. To most people, this aroma will be one of condemnation and death. God is trying to reach the lost. His Holy Spirit is working at convicting them of their sins. It is for this reason that the world hates Christians. All believers bring about a conviction that goes against what those in the world believe. The world feels that believers will bring them death. If they become believers they will no longer be able to live the “fun” life they are living of sin.
When one believer is around another believer they both smell the aroma of life. They know that there is hope, life, and a future in Jesus. Yes as a believer, they will have to give up some things, but it will be worth it in the end.
Think of it like when you are around someone who has on some very strong perfume. After a while you walk away, but the aroma of that perfume is still with you. Others can smell that perfume on you.
As you go through life, what aroma are you bringing to those you are around? If you are following Jesus, you should be bringing the aroma He has.
Do not be surprised when some think of it as death, while others enjoy it because it is of life. It is death to sin, and an opening to eternal life.
I pray today that you will smell of the life Jesus gives; that others will be drawn to that life in Jesus; that God will strengthen you to turn from all sin; and that God will build His kingdom through you.
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