Read: Ephesians
5:1-12
For we are
unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 2 Corinthians 2:15
Have
you ever been walking behind a guy whose twenty-four hour deodorant had
obviously worn off? You try to stay as far away as possible. Or, have you ever
had to take a trip on an airplane and gotten stuck next to the guy who
apparently rolled out of bed with yesterday’s sweaty t-shirt still attached?
You gag and hold your breath and spend plenty of time with your head turned in
the opposite direction until the wheels finally touch down at your destination.
On the other hand, have you ever been around a person that had a very
pleasant-smelling cologne or perfume? You probably sniff over and over because
you enjoy it. Think about when your mom has made your favorite meal and it hits
your olfactory nerves the second you walk in the front door? It brings feelings
of instant delight.
The fragrance we produce is much the same. I’m not talking about your
body odor; I’m talking about your spiritual odor. When we are in sin and away
from God, those who are godly will stay far from us. Your rebellious attitude,
your haughty spirit, your dislike for authority, your lack of respect for holy
things, and your love for the world all produce reeking smells that not only
cause God to turn away, but also make the godly around you gag and seek a place
far from you. (Look up Ecclesiastes 10:1) Consequently, as a dead animal attracts all the
vile animals who feed on the dead, a bad spiritual smell will attract those who
are opposed to God and righteousness.
However, when we are clean and right with God, not only do we attract the
attention of God, but as a sweet-smelling flower attracts the bumblebee, we
attract those who are godly. As we spend time with God in Bible-reading and
prayer, we pick up the fragrance of holiness, we begin to smell of righteousness,
and we appeal to others who are trying to do the same.
So the question we could ask today was put so aptly by the songwriter who
wrote:
“Do you wear the glow of Calvary in your face?
Do you bear the fragrance of the secret place?”
What kind of fragrance do you give off?
Quote of
the day: “ Separate yourself from fellowship with the world, or the world will
separate you from fellowship with God.
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