15 Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. 16 To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this? 17 You see, we are not like the many peddlers who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us. {{2 Corinthians 2 : 15 – 17}}
I came across this verse while doing my quiet time this morning, ironically enough, right after I had sprayed a little perfume on my shirt. Maybe that is why it stuck with me so much…
I often wonder why some people get so heated so quickly when they are confronted with Truth. When I *know* that they know…yet still are enraged when I quote scripture…or even just speak a simple “Praise the Lord”. Suddenly, I’m an : "insane bible thumper who “hates” all the “gays” and supports “evil politicians” like George Bush."
I’m literally quoting things people have called me because of my faith. Even without speaking to someone directly, people find reasons to speak these really terrible things over my life.
But why?
Then I read this passage…about our lives being a Christ-like perfume. The most beautiful perfume you’ve ever smelled…the kind that makes you feel beautiful instantly. The expensive kind you can’t afford. It never occurred to me that there were people who didn’t like this smell…that this smell that to me smells like freedom, grace, and forgiveness…smells like death and doom to someone else. And then I remember…that this beautiful fragrance IS death and doom. So what makes it smell so sweet to me? Well, at first…it didn’t. This fragrance meant putting to death the life that I loved so much. The life that made money. The life that did whatever I wanted. Whatever felt good to me. This fragrance wasn’t something I wanted.
So to me, it makes sense now why I smell something along the lines of Death and Doom to some people. Because I do. I just wish people would realize that the fragrance becomes so much sweeter when they put to death the things that keep them from the eternal love of the Father. The forgiveness and the grace that is so freely given.
Paul continues to write in his letter to the Corinthians this : 17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. {{2 Corinthians 3 : 17 – 18}}
The more I pursue the Lord, the more I am going to “stink” of who He is. Because I am pursuing this Holy God, more of His character will continue rub off onto me. Which means that I am going to be rancid to some people…just by how I act and talk.
After this year on the World Race, I stink. Much more than I ever have before. I’m thankful that it means that I am growing into the woman the Lord wants me to be. I pray that everyone can experience the death and doom that I have…
Because I’m doomed for an eternal lifetime of love, grace, and acceptance.
