Sunday, August 12, 2007

SO HOW DO YOU SMELL?

SO HOW DO YOU SMELL?

"Now thanks be to God who always leads us IN triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." 2 Corinthians 2:14-15

Her name was Dorie and she was a sweetie. You could tell she was in the room before you ever saw her because you could smell her. She put on so much perfume that you could smell her before she ever got close enough to give you a hug. It was her own mark of distinction.

As a child of God, we are to be that kind of Christian - a fragrance of His knowledge in every place. Listen to what Dr. Henry Blackaby says about this in his daily devotional, EXPERIENCING GOD - The Devotional:

"Whenever the Romans won a major military victory they would celebrate with a spectacular parade. The commanding general would lead the procession in a magnificent chariot, followed by his soldiers, musicians, and other officials. Then, soldiers would lead the defeated enemies through the city in bondage. As a part of the celebration, the Romans would burn fragrances on altars, filling the entire city with a pleasant aroma. Even those who could not witness the triumphal procession could hear the victory music and smell the pleasing incense.
Everyone would know that their army had been victorious. The special fragrance came to symbolize victory to anyone who smelled it.

Paul used vivid imagery to describe the effect that Christians should have in the world. According to Paul, God permeates our lives with the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, our lives should demonstrate to others that Christ is victorious. As unbelievers observe our lives, they should become aware of the victorious power of Christ.
As other Christians witness the victory Christ gives us over our sin, they can rejoice in the triumph of their Lord and gain confidence that Christ will bring victory in their lives as well.

The most compelling evidence that Christ is alive and triumphant is His activity in the lives of His people. It is a privilege to be the fragrance of Christ by which others learn of God's life-changing power over sin. Your life ought to be convincing proof that God continues to work powerfully in the lives of His people."

How about you this morning, brothers? How do you smell? Ask Him to be one who diffuses the fragrance of Him in every place you go!

Great quote: Every man naturally desires knowledge; but what good is knowledge without fear of God? Indeed a humble rustic who serves God is better than a proud intellectual who neglects his soul to study the course of the stars. Thomas a Kempis

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