HOW DO YOU SMELL?

Seems to me there is much in our world that sort of “stinks” today. It seems that greed, bigotry, anger, division, oppression, killing and war are all on the increase. The News rarely is good news. In desperation, someone asked me recently, “what is one individual Christian to do in the midst of all of this anger, pain and strife?” I think the simple answer to that is “just be Jesus where you are.” Be a fragrant aroma of good in the midst of the stench of chaos and loss. That’s what Paul wrote:

“For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ for God, both with those who are being saved and with those who are perishing.”  2 Corinthians 2:15

So what should we smell like to make a positive difference? What would reflect that we have been walking with Jesus, genuinely wanting to connect with our community, and most importantly, desiring to see the world transformed by His love?

I don’t think we want to smell like roses! I think we desire a fruitier fragrance. As those who are infused with the Holy Spirit, His fruit will flourish and put forth a life-giving smell that will bring a freshness wherever we go. So as we surrender, as we avail ourselves to the work of the Holy Spirit, as we step into the shower of His outpouring… we will smell like: LOVE… JOY… PEACE… PATIENCE… KINDNESS… GOODNESS… FAITHFULNESS… GENTLENESS… And SELF-CONTROL. And that smell will change the atmosphere around you. And people will be drawn to the One Who gave you His fragrance.

Smelling up Hamilton County for JESUS with YOU!

Pastor Daryl