For we are the aroma of Christ.

~2 Corinthians 2:15 ESV

Certain fragrances remind us of people. My grandma died more than forty years ago when I was thirteen. To this day, when I catch a whiff of the perfume, Youth Dew, I think of her. That was her scent. I have worn Beautiful by Estee Lauder since my boys were little. As believers, we need to find Christ’s fragrance. 

I remember a young Garrett climbing up in my lap for some snuggle time.

“Mmm, you smell good, Momma,” he said.

“It’s Beautiful,” I said.

“Nah, just good,” he muttered. Kids have a way of humbling us.

In my first year teaching in Louisiana, I taught a bunch of rowdy sixth-grade boys and one tough-as-nails girl. While their behavior made me want to strangle them on most days, what they needed from me was unconditional love, and I tried to give it. I noticed several of them habitually eased in daily for a hug. One student in particular wrapped his arms around me at least three times a day, as if hugs were nourishment.

One morning, he said, “Ms. Merrill, you don’t smell like yourself.”

I thought about it for a second and realized I had spilled coffee on my shirt that morning, which prompted a last-minute clothing change. I must have forgotten to reapply my perfume. The Holy Spirit used my student’s innocent comment to remind me of a different scent.

Christ’s Aroma

Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

~2 Corinthians 2:14-15 ESV

We are the aroma of Christ. I dare say our attitudes, words, and actions should smell not just good but beautiful. The lost and broken of this world should find Jesus by following their noses to our loving words and actions.

Our Aroma

Sometimes, I don’t smell like my Christ-in-me self. Some days, my attitude is putrid and repels rather than attracts. When my spirit doesn’t smell right, it’s usually because I’ve forgotten to apply the perfume of Christ’s presence. I get distracted and forget to stand before the mirror of His Word where truth washes me clean and refreshes my soul.

Something tells me Christ’s signature fragrance has fruity fragrance notes. The fragrance of the fruit of the Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV).

I wonder if my snuggly student will think of me every time he catches a whiff of Beautiful by Estee Lauder. And if he does, will he also remember the love of Jesus in me?

Think of ways to find Christ’s fragrance so you can smell more like Christ to others.

Lord, what a solemn honor and responsibility to be Your aroma. Use me to draw others to Your heart so they can smell like You, too. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: Finding Christ’s Fragrance: Lee Merrill: All Rights Reserved