What's That Smell?

WHAT'S THAT SMELL?

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life." 2 Corinthians 2:14-16

One of the shows my grandson Tanner used to like was "Bear and the Big Blue House." In the opening scene, Bear comes out of his house and all of a sudden in the middle of his conversation, starts to sniff. He says, "What's that I smell? Hmmm ... it's you!"

How do you smell? Now I am not talking about body odor. But according to today's verse, we as men who love Christ should have the aroma of Him oozing from our lives. Dr. Kenny Luck in his book, DREAM, suggests that we smell in the following areas:

Acceptance -- What's happening in us emotionally, relationally, morally and spiritually will come out and influence the lives of others.

Proximity - Physical proximity determines the blast of your zone of influence. Spouses, kids, friends, and co-workers are in your hot zone of character and conduct.

Activation - When you connect with people, your character can't not give away to conduct. Your character is expressed in behavior that has an on-going influence.

Sensation - Over time, the people connected to you sense and feel the REAL you. Our dignity gets pulled away, and they get a whiff of what's inside.

Saturation - Leaking substances land somewhere; they seep into things and change their makeup. Clean becomes dirty. Similarly, any fears, pride, insecurities, brokenness, attachments, or wounds can seep into our relationships and change them for better or for worse.

Recognition and reaction - My sin and character flaws leak more aggressively than the healthier parts of me.

I will share more about this tomorrow ... but guys - when people are around you - what do they smell? Do they smell the fragrance of Christ?
Think about it! - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: 2 Chronicles 32-33; John 18:19:40

Think about this: Satan is ever seeking to inject that poison into our hearts to distrust God's goodness - especially in connection with his commandments. That is what really lies behind all evil, lusting and disobedience. A discontent with our position and portion, a craving from something which God has wisely held from us. Reject any suggestion that God is unduly severe with you. Resist with the utmost abhorrence anything that causes you to doubt God's love and his lovingkindness toward you. Allow nothing to make you question the Father's love for his child. -- Arthur W. Pink