The perfume of God

Paul wrote two short verses in 2 Corinthians 2 that have always fascinated me. They tell of fragrance, but there is more to it. These two short verses speak to a reality that we often forget. Here are Paul's words,

"For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?"

"Perfume is a mixture of fragrant essential oils and aroma compounds, fixatives, and solvents used to give the human body, animals, objects, and living spaces a pleasant scent ."

"The aroma of Christ"....what an amazing phrase. Basically Paul is letting you know why some instantly like you and others almost immediately would rather not be with you. It's not you. (Well, actually, it might be you, but that will have to be a discussion for another time.) You simply give off an aroma that makes both believer and lost man aware of their condition. Basically you stink! To the lost man the "smell of death," their awareness of their own lack of life, is brought into clear focus and they hate it. For the believer it's the sweet smell of life and they inhale it with great joy. The believer immediately wants to be around you while the lost man wanders off to try to forget the truth your fragrance has reminded him of...that he's spiritually dead.

Then Paul finishes with this great question, "And who is equal to such a task?" Which of us is adequate for the task of bearing the fragrance of Christ to a dying world? But we do, even if we aren't aware of it. We stink of death to the lost, but have the smell of heaven to those who know Christ. When responses seem confusing from those you meet realize there is more at work here than just your pretty face and happy smile. There is a smell in the air...it's the perfume of God.
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