Thursday, November 10, 2011

Smelling Up The Place

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; (2 Corinthians 2:14-15)

Pigpen was probably my favorite character in the comic strip “Peanuts”. I guess he became my favorite when we began to see Charlie Brown on television. When I saw Pigpen walking while the cloud of dust that surrounded him shimmered, it seemed to communicate that there was an “air” about him. And the air was never pleasant to those who he encountered. Everyone seemed to wish he’d clean up his act!
The air that surrounds the believer should always be fresh. All too often our attitudes and demeanor have offended people more than the truth of the gospel message. Good news should always be shared with humility and honesty. When our message is condescending, it dishonors the Lord. When we look down our nose at the ones who are caught in the trials of life, it kind of smells up the place. We should clean up our act.
Paul wrote that there was a certain aroma that accompanied a true believer. It should be a sweet smell. One that is pleasant.

I. THE AROMA OF LIFE SHOULD SURROUND THE BELIEVER IN CHRIST. Springtime looks ahead beyond the end of winter. The stale air we have breathed while enclosed within the walls of our homes is replaced. Anytime we meet someone, we should be like a breath of fresh air.

II. THE FRAGRANCE OF CHRIST IS AN ATTRACTIVE FRAGRANCE. For those who love life, Christ is attractive. We should be joyful in our journey.

III. OUR LIVES SHOULD “SMELL UP THE PLACE” EVERYWHERE WE GO. Our presence should be a testimony of the presence of Christ. He who lives in us cannot be hidden.

IV. LIFE SMELLS LIKE A FRESH SPRING MORNING. LIFE SMELLS LIKE EASTER TIME. When the Old Testament sacrifices were offered, they were referred to as a sweet savor. God was pleased with the death of the sacrifice. It pointed to an ultimate sacrifice. One that would bring life. So on one particular spring morning, somewhere outside Jerusalem, what should have begun to smell like death only brought forth the aroma of life. The cross and the empty tomb smell like life to us today. The only reason that we are sometimes found offensive to others should be because of the conviction of the Holy Spirit who lives within. The truth is offensive. Our manner of conveying it should never be.

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