"A Sweet Aroma"

Have you seen the TV commercial for a brand of kitchen trash bags? It is the one where the camera zooms in for a close- up shot into the disgusting kitchen trash? Then, midway through the commercial, you hear these high voices coming from the trash singing, “STINKY, STINKY, STINKY.” It is one of those jingles that stay in your head and you find yourself singing along.

Ughhhhh! How many times a day am I faced with my own stinky sins? There are those that I think are private and no one knows about. Then there are the ones I keep a tight hold on- the deep down ones. Oh what a stench to God’s holiness they are! And how many times do I compare myself with someone else, you know… “someone over there”. I deceive myself to think I might just be a bit better than them. What I need to do is measure myself next to God’s holiness. That is a humbling thought and a humbling reality that points me to a time of much needed repentance for such delusions. How can I stand when faced with the infinite holiness of the Lord? All I can do is plead the mercy of Christ and be overwhelmed by such forgiveness that He offers me? Wasn’t it St. Augustine who said that, “we must be reduced as to have nothing to present before God but our wretchedness and His mercy?” We might all need a good dose of how Isaiah (vs. 6) felt when confronted with God’s purity.

2 Corinthians 2:14 “Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifest through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place”.

The apostle Paul uses this particular word, triumph, because he knew the people of Corinth would have an understanding of just what that strong word meant, for they had witnessed the victorious Roman army parade throughout conquered cities.

When I truthfully lay myself before the Lord and accept His forgiveness for those idols, those private vices, and any meanness I carry within, I can know with boldness that I walk in His triumph. These days I now keep shorter times between asking the Lord to examine my heart. I not only can rest in His forgiveness, but I can be ever so bold knowing I am a sweet perfume of Christ. Doesn’t that verse state God leads me in triumph in Christ? God will cause me to triumph as my life is lived in the power of the Holy Spirit. I will be a fragrant aroma not only in every place but in every opportunity because God had made visible what is now living from within. I can manifest Christ; make Him known, visible and realized. I can make known what was hidden to others so they will plainly recognize His life in me by my words and deeds. What a good and terrifying and humbling thought! If I choose to live for Christ, I am not only going to smell good to you, but you will think of Jesus by my aroma!

Have you also ever used the standard of “those over there”, comparing your goodness to theirs? You might be looking pretty darn good, but have you judged wrongly? Do you find it easy to quickly point out the faults in others (even silently) forgetting the grace you have been shown? Take a moment and repent if necessary, for the areas in which you have fallen short. Allow yourself to feel God’s acceptance and let His love pour out onto you. Then, please pass on that same grace to others. Praise Him who has given us His Son and made a way for us so that we can even approach such holiness. Such gracious love!

 

 

May it be our desire that we be women who live in the present and are aware of the world around us. May we take notice of the blessings God gifts to each of us, and always long to hear His whispers. Shall we also pray with a more purposeful focus on God’s will? And as we stay connected in our relationship with Christ, we will become more thankful followers. Let us commit to doing this together! Close your eyes…Open your heart, let God’s Spirit empower you today.