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The Fragrance of Christ

by Melody Huffman

As you read the following words, reflect on the sensation that each word brings to mind: freshly mowed grass, rain, watermelon, dirty diapers, baking bread, a skunk, roses, and your favorite perfume.

Fragrance is around us everywhere.  Even the world economy has picked up on
the idea of fragrance.  We have perfumed soaps, lotions, candles, stationary, bath oils, shampoos and much much more.

The Bible talks about Fragrance also.  We read in 11Corinthians 2:15, "For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing."   Were you aware that each of us has a fragrance to God?

Many places in the Bible talk about pleasing fragrances.  After the flood, Noah offered up sacrifices to God that was said to be a pleasing aroma. Genesis 8:20.

In Leviticus 2:1-3, God commanded the Israelites to put oil and frankincense on their grain offerings, so they would be a "sweet savor to the Lord."

John 12 recounts the story of Mary anointing the feet of Jesus shortly before he was crucified and the aroma filled the whole house.

Then we read in Ephesians 5:2 "you must live a life of love, just as Christ loved us, and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."  It is hard to imagine how God could enjoy the aroma of such a sacrifice.  But it was the love expressed in this deed that was fragrant to God.

Finally, in Philippians 4 we read that the gifts the brethren sent to Paul were described as "a fragrant and acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God."

What kind of fragrance do I emit to God?  What kind of fragrance do you emit to God?  Is it pleasing?  Or does it just have the appearance of being pleasant?  Is God pleased with our attitudes, our deeds, and our faith in Him?

There are many kinds of lovely flowers in the world: roses, violets, lilies, orchids, marigolds, carnations and more.  While they all look beautiful in bouquets and corsages, they do not all smell good.  As a matter of fact, some are offensive!  Orchids are lovely but have very little fragrance. Marigolds are also beautiful, but are repugnant.  Even to insects!!!  But look at the tiny violets.  Small as they may be, they have a very sweet fragrance.

How are we in God's sight?  Do we have the sweet and pleasant aroma of a violet?  Or are we like the orchid, beautiful but very little fragrance?  Or are we the marigold, beautiful but repugnant?

The scriptures tell us the key in Colossians 3:17: "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord."

Let us all resolve in our hearts to be more like the violet, tiny but fragrant and not a marigold, which only has the appearance of fragrance.


Copyright Melody Huffman, February 1, 2001
All scripture is from the New International Bible.