What Do We Smell Like?

Job 41-42; 2 Corinthians 1-2 

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life…”

2 Corinthians 2:14-16

The presence of Jesus in our lives gives off a distinctive odor to all those around us. To some, the fragrance of Christ smells like life; to others, it smells like death.

If there is no reaction to our lives, it begs the question: Are we carrying Christ, or just living for ourselves?

 Do people smell Christ, or just us?

To those who are perishing without Christ, Jesus smells like death, both our humiliating death-to-self, and their future destiny apart from Christ. Paul later said that outwardly “We are wasting away”. In a success-driven world, the price of knowing and following Jesus is too high. Death stinks! However, to those who know the abundant life of fully surrendering all to Christ, other Christ-followers bring the aroma of resurrection-life and the power of the Holy Spirit.

What do we smell like?

“Lord Jesus, you are life and your call to die-to-self daily is worth it, for your glory.”