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? 2 Corinthians 2:16
Most everything gives off some type of aroma. Some of these aromas can be very pleasant smelling, such as with a bouquet of flowers, fresh rain, or a fresh baked pie. Others aromas can be extremely unpleasant, such as the smell of a skunk’s spray, limburger cheese, or decaying food.
The different types of aromas can attract people closer, or push people away. People often use many types of deodorants to change or cover up the aroma around them.
Describing the believers, Paul says that they are an aroma of death to some and aroma of life to others.
Every believer has the aroma of Christ emanating from them as they go through their days. Those who are rejecting Christ or God, will find that the smell of a believer is revolting. It appears as though the believer is bringing about death.
The aroma of Christ is one that does reveal and bring about death. It reveals that one who is living in sin, is dying or already dead. It brings about a conviction of the heart.
One the other side of the picture, the aroma of Christ is one of life. Those who have chosen to believe in Jesus, repent of their sins and follow Him, smell Him as the aroma of life. At the same time, Jesus brings the aroma of death–death to sin and self. This is a very pleasing aroma to the believer.
Every believer will carry those aromas around with them wherever he goes. To some, the believer will be revolting and a smell of death. He will go against the evil ways of this world. To others, he will be a life giving aroma, following the ways of God.
Each day you walk about, you give off some type of aroma. Depending upon how you are living your life will depend upon the aroma given. Living in sin will always bring the aroma of putrid death and decay. Living for God will always be one of life.
Not every person you meet will enjoy the aroma you bring as a believer in Jesus. They will hate it and run from you. However, others will smell the aroma of life and be attracted.
Allow yourself to be the aroma of Christ, being the life to a believer and death to the world.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Savior; that you will bring the gospel message of Jesus to this world; that you will bring true life to those who are dead; and that you will be the aroma of Jesus to the lost and saved.
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