“Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.”
2 Corinthians 2:15 NLT
So, what’s your signature scent?
I love perfume with fresh scents that awaken your senses like a spring morning. Fragrant and fresh, that’s what I look for in a perfume bottle.
It always amazes me how the same perfume that smells wonderful on one person just doesn’t work on another. I remember years ago my mom wore a perfume called “Poison” and it smelled amazing on her. When I tried it on I smelled like poison!
Fragrant Christians
In 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 Paul compares Christians to perfume. God calls believers to live life with a Christ-like fragrance for others to smell.
The reality is that this fragrance will either be a welcomed scent or a stench in someone’s nostrils. This explains why some people just don’t like you. You can be nice and do what they want, but for some reason there seems no way to win their favor. You wonder, “Do I smell?”
Then there are others who just seem drawn to you. There’s an instant connection. Have you ever been somewhere and just click with someone you’ve only just met and they suddenly ask, “Are you a Christian?” Your scent will either repel or refresh. When you understand what Paul is teaching here you’ll begin to recognize that some people’s reaction to you may have very little to do with your actions, but with the fragrance of Christ in you.
Wear Your Signature Scent
Live your life like the perfume bottle that Mary poured out on Jesus feet.1 Don’t keep it to yourself. Let the fragrance of Christ be expressed through your signature scent so others will be drawn to Him because of you!
Prayer
Father…I want the aroma of my life to rise up to You and be a pleasing fragrance to you. Help me to live my life in a way that makes my scent sweet and Christ-like, not pungent because of my sin. Let the fragrance of my life be one that draws others to You and not push them away. Help me to recognize when others repel me because of their issues with You and not take offence, but surround them in prayer. Make my life a fragrant offering to You! In Jesus Name…Amen
[tweetthis]Let the fragrance of Christ be expressed through your signature scent! [/tweetthis]
#Dare2Share
Post in the Comment Section below and bolster the faith of someone else!
1 John 12:13
The perfumes and candles pictured here are some of my ‘signature scents. They are from my friend Laci Corzo’s Scents of The Spirit line.
http://www.scentsofthespirit.com
YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP WITH:
MONDAY Monday Meditations – Laura J. Davis,
TUESDAY Cheerleaders of Faith #RARaLinkup – Kelly Balarie,
WEDNESDAY Coffee For Your Heart – Holley Gerth, Word Nerd Wednesdays — Liz Giertz
THURSDAY Heart Encouragement Thursday – Crystal Storms, Chasing Community – Barbara Bradford Ottinger
FRIDAY Dance With Jesus Linkup – Susan B. Mead, Grace and Truth Linkup – Arabah Joy, Counting My Blessings – Deb Wolf, Fresh Market Friday – Crystal Twaddell
Sherry, what a unique slant this is on God’s incredible creativity in making each of us. Thanks for this encouragement to put His handiwork on display!
Michele,
You’re a fragrant offering that blesses so many!
~Sherry
xoxo
Sherry……ah, “signature scent”…how very unique (and skilled) to link those words with
II Cor. 2:15……….Many (many!!!) years ago my sister had me try a whiff of her perfume,
“Passion.”. I loved it…but didn’t think I could ever afford that brand. Then, in a huge stretch
I bought some before a holiday in Hawaii………and have bought it ever since…And, all because
the first morning there the Lord spoke to me and said, “I want to anoint you with passion.”
Soon “Passion for Jesus” was the topic for the nation-wide WM groups/retreats…including
where I was speaking in Niagara Falls…….Mike Bickle’s book by the same title emerged at
that time, too.
The years since have brought many accounts of trying to find it…it is now getting harder
and harder to find the discontinued perfume…but, I can’t even imagine sampling another
scent! As recently as yesterday someone commented on “MMMM, how nice!”. That occurred
as we began to answer their question, “So, how was your recent ministry trip to Asia?”. We answered with “passion” as the fragrant backdrop!
So, “refresh or repel”………very well stated! Thanks, Sherry
Peggy,
Now that’s what I’m talking about!!! Passion sure is your signature scent! You spread it around wherever you go and inspire others to live life with passion for Him. Thanks for sharing it here on the blog.
Love ya!
~Sherry
xoxo
Hi Sherry,
I love the photo of the fragrances and I love how you related the idea of perfume to the lovely aroma of Christ we can display in our lives! Thank you for sharing these lovely words! xo
Valerie,
Thanks for leaving a fragrant scent of Christ wherever you go! Praying you’re blessed as you write and work this week.
~Sherry
xoxo
Thank you for the challenge that our lives should be like the perfume Mary poured out that filled the room with a sweet fragrance.
Rachel,
Praying you continue to pour out your fragrance and bless others 🙂
~Sherry
xoxo
I absolutely love this analogy! Thank you Sherry!
Great to hear Laura! Have a blessed day!
~Sherry
xoxo
Your perfume = My poison. Just wanted to take this opportunity to inform that there are people who can’t tolerate the chemicals used in making fragrances. I understand the references to fragrance in scripture, but my reality is that fragrances have locked me out of church.
Linda,
I’m so sad to hear that scents have locked you out of your church. I don’t know if this is ok to do on a blog, but my friends have gone to the BIE clinics and associated ones to help rid them of allergies. Many have experienced life-changing results. I’m talking drastic reactions that have been there for years gone. I have not gone yet myself, but want to. I have had about 8 friends go and be set free from allergic reactions. I don’t know if they could help with your particular situation but it would be worth checking out. So you know, I am NOT getting any referral fees for this, I just want to help see you set free. Praying for that!
Here’s their website: https://www.bieclinics.com/
~Sherry
xoxo
Thanks Bridgett. Hope you visit again for more refreshment.
~Sherry
Very descriptive article, I enjoyed that a lot. Will there
be a part 2?
That’s a great idea Clinton 🙂
~Sherry