What's That Smell?

II Corinthians 2:14-16 In the commentary, The Message, Eugene Perterson says it like this----"In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, He brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation---an aroma redolent with life." Is that not beautiful? Those who belong to Christ are different--so much so, they even smell different.
In the Old Testament, God demanded animal sacrifices. As the sacrifice burned, the fat or oil in the meat made the aroma waft up to Him. This sacrificial system is a physical representation of a spiritual event and when we offer ourselves to God ---presenting ourselves as as a living sacrifice to Him (Romans 12:1-2), we become a fragrant and pleasing aroma to Him. This aroma, according to the II Corinthians text does not go unnoticed by others. Paul says that when we know Christ, others can smell that pleasing fragrance. They can sense something is different. When we belong to Him, it is evident to all. Those who are looking for salvation only have to follow that beautiful scent.
Can you get the visual picture? As the saved are marching through town on their victory parade, the scent of salvation wafts over them, drifting around them, begging for followers. As if they were carrying a tray of homebaked bread fresh from the oven. That smell inciting in them a craving, an almost overwhelming desire, encouraging them to follow---follow----follow. Wow!!!
Don't you just want to be the kind of Christian, that every interaction is fragranced with the scent of salvation? Don't you want those around you to notice how good you "smell" and want to "smell" that way too? Don't you want to walk through the room and have every person in the room ask "What's that smell?" "It smells good".

Neva