2 Corinthians 2:15

15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,

When I read passages like the one above, I realize many things about God, the universe and myself. I know that the study of scripture is a sincere endeavor that must be taken very seriously, however, I also believe that God is the author of humor. Don’t think so? I think the anteater and several monkey species are perfect examples of the playful mindset of God, especially when he is creating things.So when I read the verse above, I am sure that what is meant is that we ought to be a pleasant aroma to all those we come into contact with.   I imagine some of the sweet perfumes that I like, or even just the soft aroma of vanilla and think how I need to be kinder, and gentler as I interact with others so that the aroma I leave is pleasant and happy, and something others will want to invite back.

As a youth leader, though, and a realist, I am all too aware that the aroma I often leave is not perfume and pleasant.  When getting cut off in traffice, the fumes I leave in my wake could gag a maggot I fear.  They would resemble more the smell of rotting garbage or perhaps burning rubber, but certainly nothing you would welcome.  We are the aroma of Christ to God. . .it is important to check ourselves and even ask accountability partners what aroma we are leaving in our wake.

Father, help me be a pleasing aroma to you today.  Help me to be pleasing in your site and be an aroma that others will want to be around.  Help me be love and grace and mercy to all of those people you put in my path today, especially those who are watching to see how a Christian may react to certain situations.  Forgive me for those times when I stink, and help me become more and more pleasing to you.