Do Some People Think You Stink?

I was doing my daily Bible reading a couple of days ago and came across a passage that I've never noticed before (isn't that strange how you can read OVER a passage many times but actually read it another?).

Here it is:

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? (2 Corinthians 2: 15-16, NIV)

This scripture is further evidence that real life as a Christian plays out in very real ways.

It seems that when we are walking with God and living out loud, other believers find a sweet aroma. Those who are seeking experience the "fragrance of life" that can only be found in God. However those who have the burden of sin upon their lives find us offensive...the very "smell of death" whether they recognize it as that or not.

If they are not ready to meet God, they will often reject you, your life, your beliefs, your faith, your morals. They might mock. They might ignore. They might attack. All because you are the smell of death to them...their own God-given consciousness is reeling at your presence because of the weight of sin bearing down on them. Conviction is weighing heavy on them.

But if they are ready...they will encounter an aroma unlike anything they know in their current state. You will appeal to them in a way they cannot explain. They will be attentive to your ways and your words. They will be watching and learning. They will seek what it is that makes you smell so sweet to them.

Strange that one person can effect people in two very different, very polar ways.

You never know where a person is in their path to faith. It is up to us to leave a path in our wake that will draw others to God. Maybe they will mock. Maybe they will be attuned to God. All we must do is live in the way that He commands and let Him work out the rest in whatever way He wants.

So be who you are meant to be in Him. Let the reaction of others not phase you nor discourage you. Their perception of you might well be tied up in their heart condition.

And remember--if you absolutely reek to some people...you just might be doing it right.