Let Me Be Frank… smell

15 Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. 16 To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?
2 Corinthians 2:15

Chances are you’ve never seen a corpse flower in bloom.  This flower, in it’s natural habitat can grow 10 to 12 feet tall with a bloom diameter of 5 feet.  But, in cultivation, it’s more like 6 to 8 feet in height with a bloom diameter close to eight feet.  It’s impressive to say the least! 

Why is it called a “corpse” flower?  I’m glad you asked.  It’s the smell.  Think “a combination of Limburger cheese, garlic, rotting fish, and smelly feet.”  And according to myriadgradens.org, “the plant is trying hard to attract its native Sumatran pollinators… the precise combination of odors is meant to mimic an exact state of decomposition—something that is not fresh, but not so rotten that it is no longer attractive.”

The flower is beautiful, massive, and awe-inspiring, but it spurs a question in my heart.  How do I smell? 

A scent can travel up to 1500 yards.  That’s about a quarter of a mile.  Our words on social media can go viral and reach 1500 people in a matter of minutes.  But what if our smell is more about surrender and less about scent?

Perfume is also referred to as “smoke” in the Old Testament.  Think of the smoke from incense rising up to the Lord from the altar.  And while the fragrance was for the Lord, others nearby couldn’t help but smell the aroma as well. 

If all we preach in Christ is condemnation then we’re a corpse flower.  We’re trying to bring others to Jesus, but our smell is driving them away.  There is no hope in the message of condemnation and shame, only death and doom. 

There is a better and more excellent way.  Sharing the message of hope and love.  Sharing the story of a Savior who gave His life willingly on the cross in our place. 

I want my life to count.  I want my words and actions to be life-giving.  I want the world to see Jesus Christ in me.  But there are days when my thoughts get caught up in the world.  When I join in the notion that, “the loudest person wins.”  But this is not the way of Christ.  Our fragrance carries further than our words ever will.

We are Central… and we’re in this TOGETHER! 
SOLI DEO GLORIA
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