What Fragrance Are You Wearing?
by Jilly Lyon-Taylor
I have a bottle of special perfume, which was given to me by a friend. When I spray it on myself, I can enjoy the beautiful scent that it brings. However, after only a short time, I am no longer aware of the fragrance, but people coming near to me will notice it, and be able to appreciate the perfume.
This makes me think of today’s verses that speak of God spreading the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere, through us. We will not be aware of this, but others should be. Everywhere we go, and for all the people we come across in our lives, we should be spreading the aroma of the knowledge of Christ – who He is, what He is like and the abundant life that He promises for the believer. This should attract people - not to us, but to Christ in us.
However, this fragrance will not be attractive to everyone! Paul says that for those who are resisting God and turning their backs on Him, it will be like the smell of death. That is why we are not always popular as Christians, and there seems to be increasing vilification in these days for those who proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord. Even though the aroma can be like the smell of death for some, we still need to bring it into every situation that we are in, and every aspect of society, so that God can use us to spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere.
The only way this can happen is if we ourselves remain close to Jesus, spending time with Him, and allowing the aroma of His presence to permeate us. It is more beautiful than the scent of any perfume! What fragrance are you wearing today?
Prayer: Lord, I want to draw near to You today, to immerse myself in Your sweet presence, so that I can be the aroma of Christ to those around me. Help me to take the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus into every situation that I am in, and into all my dealings with other people. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Jilly Lyon-Taylor is part of the Leadership Team at Ellel Pierrepont. She worked in publishing and then with children in Hong Kong before concentrating on being a full-time mother and serving in the local church. Her desire to see people healed led her to the Luke Nine Eleven Training Scheme(NETS) at Pierrepont, and now she teaches and ministers there.
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