Watch out for the smelly Christians

Are we the sweet fragrance of Christ?

Have you ever noticed that certain smells provoke powerful memories? I only have to get the faintest “whiff” of a dahlia or geranium to be transported back to my childhood days and a much loved aunt’s wonderful and expansive property, where I spent many happy hours exploring the delights of the exotic playground that was her garden. It was there that I was first introduced to many plants and fruits that have become life-long favorites. 

Certain odors, both pleasant and unpleasant, have the power to remind us of past events, likewise, places that we have a strong attachment to can trigger emotions over which we sometimes have little control. 

God alone knows the number of people over the centuries that have been hurt, mistreated or abused by the institutionalized/state church. As sad and regrettable that this is, there is an even worse statistic; the number of people maltreated by individual believers. There are countless numbers of people who will not be in the Kingdom on that final and terrible day; and they will not be there because of the actions of some who carry Christ’s name.

Over the years I have met many people who have “invalidated their salvation” because a believer had treated them so badly (often in business) that they hardened their heart to such an extent that God’s imperative call has been ignored or missed.

But whoever shall offend one of these little ones (little child KJV) who believes in Me, it would be better for him that an ass’s millstone were hung around his neck, and he be sunk in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses! For it is necessary that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense comes! Matthew 18:6-7 M.K.J.V    

This verse is often taken as a warning against “child abuse” and while it is that, the broader meaning of these strong words is usually missed. The Greek word for little child is paidion (pronounced pahee-dee'-on) and it literally means any person who is immature… either in development or faith! 

The Amplified Bible renders this verse as… “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in and acknowledge and cleave to Me to stumble and sin [that is, who entices him or hinders him in right conduct or thought], it would be better (more expedient and profitable or advantageous) for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be sunk in the depth of the sea. Matthew 18:6

This is an actual form of capital punishment that Christ is referring to in this verse. It was practiced by the Greeks, Syrians and Romans; as anyone who can swim would know, the effect of having a heavy stone hung around their neck, thence thrown into the ocean would be as obvious as it would be fatal.  

When non-believers meet any of us, are they overpowered by the sweet fragrance of God’s Holy Spirit? Or does a less savory odor overwhelm them?  Does the sweet smell of Christ's love and grace exude from our pores, does our transformed spirit show the way to the Kingdom?

For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 2 Corinthians 2:15 Amplified Bible  

God’s Word is very clear… we are (one of) the means by which He spreads knowledge of Himself abroad in the world. Several times in the Old Testament the term “a sweet satisfying fragrance to the Lord” is used, in reference to burnt offerings. Do we exude a sweet fragrance, or do we suffer from spiritual body odor?

But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere, for we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.
2 Corinthians 2:14-15 Amplified Bible

Re-posted from July 2012