What's that Smell?

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”  (2 Corinthians 2:14-15)

Deodorant.  Soap.  Body Wash.  Perfume.  Cologne.  All of these items and many more make up a billion dollar industry focused on one thing, making sure we don’t smell bad.  Our culture has an obsession with how we smell.  No one wants to smell bad, if we are going to smell we want it to something pleasing to ourselves and others.  The Apostle Paul picks up on this idea in the verse above explaining how we are to “smell” as ambassadors of Christ.

Christians are commanded to spread the word of God concerning Christ.  It seems that we all know we have this responsibility yet sometimes we differ on how to accomplish the mission.  Some Christians seem to thrive on confrontation while others, it seems, would rather have no contact whatsoever with those who are lost. 

Paul’s idea of a Christian, however, is one whose life is so wrapped up in Christ and the word of God that he can’t help others from finding out.  If we are what God would have us to be then people around us can’t help but smell Christ.  If this is true then where is the need for confrontation?  If this is true then how can one be a Christian and go through life without anyone else finding out?

I think I’ll go take a bath and maybe put on some cologne.