Smelling Like Christ

It’s crazy to me how our minds can so quickly go back in time when we smell something familiar. Catching a whiff of someone’s perfume can remind you of a friend from decades ago, or the scent of a pie baking in the oven can transport you to childhood Thanksgivings.

But not all smells resurrect fond memories. Dumpsters, dirty diapers, and dead fish can cause us to turn our noses. To this day I cannot stand the smell of Lysol since it was the air freshener of choice when I would throw up as a child. If someone sprays it today my mind immediately goes back to being a sick ten year old.

Did you know that the Bible actually tells us how to smell? I’m not joking. In II Corinthians 2:15 Paul told the church that “we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.”

I can just hear some critic saying, “The Bible is full of so many rules, it even tells us how to smell!” But in reality, this is not so much a command as it is a reminder. As Christians, we do smell like Christ.

Not literally, of course. But when someone walks by with that familiar perfume and you so quickly are reminded of someone else, we should do the same thing to “those who are perishing.” When you walk into a room, the people in it should think Jesus walked in.

When you choose to forgive, to love, put others ahead of yourself, use your speech to uplift, keep your temper in check, or turn the other cheek, you are putting off the scent of Christ.

Make sure that it is a good smell that is emanating from you. When you live the opposite way you are more like that dumpster, or some road kill, which make people turn away.

If you haven’t been smelling good, spray on the cologne of Christ.