An Aroma That Brings Life

Have you ever thought of yourself as an aroma?  Paul says that is what we are to God, "For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life."

In fact we are the same "smell" as Christ.  A  pleasing fragrance to those being saved....a stench to those who reject the gospel. Is Paul really saying we smell? I don't think so....So if we aren't an odor....what is Paul talking about?   He is using this analogy of our lives as an attraction or a repellant of others.  People are either drawn to Christ through us.  Or they reject the Gospel because of us.

And this Christ-like aroma is the knowledge of Jesus.....  "But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere."  So God uses our knowledge of Christ ...our relationship with Him...to attract others into a relationship with Himself.  So as we love and serve...others.... people that come in contact with us...get a whiff of Christ.   And they either love the smell...or it makes them want to die!!!!