Encouragement for Today - Dec. 6, 2010
What's that Smell?
Zoe Elmore
" live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" Ephesians 5:2 (NIV).
Devotion:
I could smell the billowing smoke before I even opened the door to our garage, my nose was right, our house was on fire. Literally falling up the stairs I screamed for my husband and son to get out of the house! The firemen arrived and extinguished the flames then they escorted us away from our home. It was midnight, all the neighbors had returned to their beds so we took our smoky, smelling selves to the nearest hotel.
I returned to our home the next morning and was greeted by the awful, putrid odor only smoke can leave. As I walked through our home that horrible smell had penetrated and permeated everything inside. Even after months of repairs, rebuilding and repainting, that unwelcomed odor lingers and will not soon be forgotten.
In contrast, I fondly recall the warm and inviting fragrances of the Christmas season. The heady scent of freshly cut pine boughs intermingled with homemade chocolate covered cherries and Greek pastries. These are the smells I welcome wafting through our home.
While both smells have distinct characteristics and both make and leave a definite impression, one is overpowering. One leaves a negative impression and isn't something you want to be near, while the other is welcoming and inviting, leaving you wanting for more.
Have you ever considered the metaphor of fragrance to describe your spiritual life? For believers in Jesus Christ our lives should demonstrate the penetrating influence of Christ in our lives. As we allow our lives to reflect His goodness the unique and inviting aroma will be pleasing to Christ and to others.
This priceless fragrance isn't sold in stores, nor is something you can manufacture; this fragrance is a natural extension from knowing Jesus Christ in a personal relationship. As we abide in Christ we spread the sweet fragrance of His goodness, like a lovely perfume.
Everyday our attitudes as well as our actions exude a fragrance. Will it be one that draws others to Christ or deters them from ever wanting to know Him?
Dear Lord, teach me how to be a sweet fragrance. I pray that You are evident in my life and that other's see You and want to know more. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Application Steps:
Choose to wear your favorite fragrance today and throughout the day let it remind you to keep your eyes on what is pleasing to Christ.
Consider the lingering fragrance your life leaves behind.
Reflections:
What are the some of your best characteristics that invite others and welcome them into the family of Christ?
Is God pleased with the fragrance you're wearing? If not, how can you change it? Draw near to God and allow Him to redirect you.
Power Verses:
2 Corinthians 2:15, "For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." (NIV)
© 2010 by Zoe Elmore. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.proverbs31.org
