2 Corinthians 2:14-16
Psalm 78
Galatians 5:22
Many people do not like visiting nursing homes because of the odor. Sometimes the mixture of leaked urine and cleaning potions turns them off. But Paul is not talking about these kinds of odors in 2 Corinthians 2. Paul tells us that we have an aroma, that we emit a smell into the world. And this smell either draws others to Christ through us or repels others from Christ because of us. As we age bodily odors are not the only odors with which we need to be concerned. We need to concern ourselves with the spiritual aroma we emit. On the one hand we might emit odors of fear, insecurity, hopelessness, anger, discontent, criticism, judgment, regret, despair, and distrust. We have become more vulnerable and these aromas might be considered a natural response to a life that is slipping away from our control. It is easy to criticize things we do not understand, and with technology springing forward a mile a minute there is much we do not understand. We acknowledge the anger that comes when we can no longer do the things that used to come easily. It makes sense to feel insecure when the economy is unstable and nations are changing leaders faster than we can assimilate. Discontent comes with boredom and fear can come with the loss of people and things that used to provide our framework. In Psalm 78 God displays his anger because his people have forgotten when he has done for them in the past, and doubt what he can do for them in the future. (See post "Let Us Remember") They have lost faith and the spiritual odor they emit is offensive to God. The aroma they are emitting will certainly not draw others to the One True God!
While some smells turn us off, others draw us to them. Is there any smell better than a ripe strawberry, peach or apple? The fruits of the Spirit also emit smells that encourage people to take a bite. Love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, meekness and self-control are the spiritual odors that draw others to the Christ who lives within us. As life throws us its curve balls, our spiritual response can influence what others believe about our faith and our God.
Paul is not just talking about giving off a good or bad odor. He is also making a point about having a strong odor. Having an odor with the power of attraction or detraction. There are many who give off no strong odor. They are neither offensive or alluring. The are odorless. As elders it is possible while we do not complain, neither do we praise. If so, we are missing an opportunity to perfume our world with faith in God who supplies every need and who loves beyond understanding. We forget that even though we may be doing less, our very being exudes an aroma, an odor that can savor the world around us and send a sweet smell to our Father in heaven. So what's your stink like?
