Smelling Like Jesus

I was recently browsing the blog of a friend and came across an entry where she spoke of “smelling like Jesus.” She was referring to 2 Corinthians 2:14-16. I looked up these 3 verses and was blown away. I love when I read God’s Word and it becomes so powerful that the words jump up and start doing a jig all over the page. And the words, “For we are to God the aroma of Christ…” (v. 15) became an intense focus for me over the last 10 days.

I committed the verses to memory and began to think about what it really means to have God work through me to “spread everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.” (v. 14) Wow! I know, as a believer, I am a vessel to be used by Him, but how can I change who I am right now so I can truly spread His fragrance?

I have found that God does not make suggestions or requests in His Word. It's a book of declarations and requirements--we are to be like Him in all we do and all we say. So I’ve prayed about areas where I can step it up. My pastor posed a question yesterday in his sermon..."What is it like to be on the other side of me?" This is a great gauge for me to assess the "fragrance" that I'm spreading. When someone is standing on the other side of me, do they see compassion...generosity...humility...joy...do they smell Jesus?

So each night as the sun goes down, I'm gonna make a point to assess my reflection to others. I know I have a lot of work to do, but thankfully due to God's grace I ain't where I was. I'll keep working and He’ll keep carrying me. And maybe, each day, I'll start smelling a little less like me and lot more like Him.