December 27, 2019
What’s That Fragrance You’re Wearing?
Lisa Morrone, PT
Today’s Truth
“But thanks be to God! For through what Christ has done, he has triumphed over us so that now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Gospel like a sweet perfume. As far as God is concerned there is a sweet, wholesome fragrance in our lives. It is the fragrance of Christ within us, an aroma to both the saved and the unsaved all around us.” (2 Corinthians 2:14-15, TLB)
Friend to Friend
My family and I spent nearly a decade of summer vacations camping with a group of four other families in the mountains of Pennsylvania. Although we enjoyed many other vacations as a family to National Parks and far away cities, if you asked my (now adult) children, they’d say camping was their favorite vacation destination.
One of the things which made our camping trips so memorable was our nighttime, community campfire huddles, complete with marshmallow roasting, storytelling, and a whole lot of laughter. I LOVE a good campfire! The cracking, popping logs, the warmth, the visual dance of the flames, and, of course, the SMELL!
If you’ve ever had a front row seat at a campfire, you’re probably already tracking with me…the SMELL of the fire; it lingers. It gets deep into the fabric of your clothing, entwines itself around every strand of your hair, and can still be smelled the next day by others who come near you.
I believe the same fragrant phenomenon takes place when you and I spend time cozied up to the flame of Jesus and His fiery Holy Spirit. When intentional time is spent in His Presence—reading His Word, worshipping, praying—we leave that place with the heavy scent of Jesus on us. As we make our way through our days, raising children, serving in ministries, or just rubbing up against people at work or during a trip to the supermarket, we exude the fragrance of Christ.
Today’s Truth tells us, “As far as God is concerned there is a sweet, wholesome fragrance in our lives. It is the fragrance of Christ within us.” You and I get to dab on that heavenly perfume anytime and every time we spend time near its Source!
And just like when Moses’ face-to-face encounter with the Almighty left his face all aglow, you and I can achieve a post-encounter glow along with a sweet, wholesome fragrance which the Lord will use to draw those around us unto Himself. But just as Moses lost his glow as the week wore on, and just like the smell of a campfire lessens with the passing of time, we can’t simply rely on a once-weekly, church-based encounter with God to achieve the powerful fragrance of Christ which was meant to emanate from us on a daily basis.
I bet you’d agree, if I was going to put on a fragrance before heading out into my day (to cover over my sinful nature scent), I’d want to be awash in Jesus!
Let’s Pray
Lord, we confess that we often take short cuts in our spiritual lives in an attempt to “smell like a Christian.” This very day, would You convict us and motivate us to prioritize time spent with You so that our lives would emanate the sweet perfume of Christ and His Gospel message?
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It's Your Turn
Most things in life are not accomplished without a plan. Good intentions never pave a path to success. Just as you schedule doctor’s visits and business meetings, set aside a protected time for daily devotion. Grab you Bible, a pen, a notebook, and a study guide if you’d like. Then bask in the glow of His Fire. No doubt you will “smell” sweeter that day!
More from the Girlfriends
Overcoming Headaches and Migraines (Harvest House Publishers) is one of Lisa’s six books in her Restoring Your Temple® health resource collection. Her books are available on Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, or wherever books are sold.
Lisa Morrone, PT is a physical therapist, professor, author of six books, radio guest and event speaker who encourages people to “Get Healthy for Heaven’s Sake.” Visit Lisa’s website for more information and to sign up to receive her informative “Monday Morning Health Tips”!
Originally published Friday, 27 December 2019.
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