Christ-followers are a Special Fragrance of Life

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:14b-16

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.  For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?

Insights: The second unique attribute of Christ-followers is that we are special.  We are special in two ways.  Today we are going to look at the first way in which we are special and that is we are a special fragrance of life.  Steve Brown of Keylife Ministries used to say very early in his ministry that he preferred to be around lost people more than he did Christians because he felt that lost people were more genuine and honest. As he matured and grew, he would quickly change that statement and say he preferred to be around Christians. The reason Steve Brown changed his statement was because his snorter became more refined and he enjoyed the fragrance of life over the fragrance of death.  In other words, the Spirit of God that indwells us resinates with those who are born again and have the Spirit of God indwelling them also.  His Spirit testifies with our spirit about the individuals with whom we associate.  When that individual is a Christ-follower, we naturally, because of the Spirit of God in us, desire to be around those people.  There is another reason we desire to be around the fresh fragrance of life and that is the excitement and enthusiasm that become contagious when we surround ourselves with passionate believers.  I cannot recall where I read the following information, but I took it word for word from the journal entry.  The article was about, the one time famous missionary, Dr. Grenfell.  The article stated, “After spending fifty years in Labrador, Doctor Grenfell was resting on the coast of Georgia. Many people wanted to see him. A man noticed the famed missionary strolling on the beach. He asked Grenfell’s secretary for permission to talk to him. The reply came: ‘You can see him but do not talk to him about Labrador. He will become so excited that he will not sleep well tonight.’”  The point is perfume cannot be contained.  We are either effervesce for Christ or we are the smell of death.  Beloved, it is my prayer that because of Christ in you that you smell well.

Questions:

1.  Do your brothers and sisters in Christ cringe when they see you coming?

2.  Are you a pleasure to be around and are you a source of encouragement?

Prayer: Father, It is my prayer that my fellow Christ-followers enjoy being around me.  May our lives meld together and may Your presence permeate all of our conversations.  May our lives reflect the fragrance of life.  Amen.