Observation: Paul writes to the church in Corinth, with whom he has a difficult history. He has just explained why he doesn't want to make another "painful visit", and affirmed his hope that forgiveness can happen. Then he uses a beautiful image: that through the presence of believers, God spreads the "fragrance that comes from knowing" Christ. Those who know Christ are "the aroma of Christ."
Application: Smell is a powerful memory-maker. There are smells I miss in the winter. A big one is the smell of a good campfire. Even if you only spend just a few minutes out by the fire, your clothes will end up smelling like it--which for me is perfectly okay, because it reminds me the next morning how much I love the smell, and even more, the memory of warmth and community around the fire.
Similarly, I think if we spend time with Jesus, we begin to have a spiritual "aroma" that those around us notice. If we make time for prayer, for daily study of the Bible, for works of service to others, and for spiritual community and support, people will notice it in the way we carry ourselves when we're not doing those things. We won't need to beat people over the head with it. If we spend time in Jesus' presence, my belief is folks will notice, the way you notice a cologne or a perfume--or maybe just good old campfire smoke. They'll appreciate the smell of God's love that we bring.
This isn't about being "holier than thou," and it goes without saying that this is a lifelong work-in-progress. Nobody's perfect. But we all have room to grow. As Lent approaches, I'm praying for you that you find some small change you can make--maybe something that will last even after Easter--that will help you be the "aroma of Christ" for the world.
Prayer: Jesus, draw us near to you. Help our time in your presence change us, in a way that we and others will notice and celebrate. Amen.
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