“For we are to G-d the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?”

II Corinthians 2:15-16 NKJV

Researchers have found that odors can serve as powerful memory triggers, even improving our ability to retain, recall, and recognize information. I remember a study course I took when I was senior in High School. One of the “hacks” they taught us was to smell the same fragrance every time we studied for a class or exam. The smell should be the same and should be a part of the routine. For example, when I was rewriting my notes or studying for my Audiology course, I would smell a peppermint lotion. Then, right before the exam, I used peppermint lotion and could smell it on my hands. I don’t know if it helped – but I got an A in the course. I’ve long believed it did. Realtors use the same principle when they are showing a home. Home owners are often told to bake cookies or bread because the smell of freshly baked good evokes powerful memories of one’s childhood. The list goes on, but the sense of smell, or olfaction, is powerful. It warns us of danger, aids in taste, and has the power to transport us to the past rapidly. 

In today’s passage, Paul describes believers as the fragrance of Christ before G-d. The TLV version calls us the “aroma of Messiah to G-d” and the NLT says our lives are “a Christ-like fragrance rising up to G-d.” What a beautiful image. We are the aroma, the fragrance, of our Messiah to G-d. And, likewise, we are the aroma of Messiah to those around us. We can either smell like a skunk with our stinky, judgmental attitude and behavior or we can smell like freshly baked cookies through our love and kindness. It is a choice I make every day. Will my life attract people to Him or will it repel them? Will it make them curious about Him or will it make them sick? It is my prayer that my life will be a fragrance that leads to life, His life, and the only way I will “smell” like Him is to spend time in His presence. More of Him, less of me, always.

Father, thank You for Your word. I love how You speak to me and how you love me. Help me to love and live more like You. Make my life a sweet fragrance – not overpowering, not rude – but soft and gentle, leading to You. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life if perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.

Daily Reading: 2 Corinthians 1-4

December 4, 2022