The Power of Perfume

Some people have a really distinctive perfume or aftershave.  Even if I was blindfolded, I would recognise them by their smell (in a good way). 

 

And sometimes this scent seems to relate to their personality or their character - it almost becomes a part of them. 

 

I love wearing perfume and thoroughly enjoy myself in Duty-Free squirting different scents onto those little card strips.  Different smells can evoke different emotions and memories - even of things that we thought were long gone.

 

Scent is powerful.

 

It's always a bit disappointing when you have put perfume on yourself and after a few minutes you can't smell it yourself anymore (this is even more annoying if it's expensive perfume).  But often, other people with whom you come into contact will be able to smell your perfume (and, sometimes, recognise you by the scent).

 

In the same way, the Bible describes our faith in God and our knowledge of Christ like perfume - a sweet-smelling and enticing fragrance.  It is something perhaps imperceptible and unnoticed by us, but something which catches other people's attention.

 

"Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ.  Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance.  Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognised by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life."

 

[2 Corinthians 2:14-16 MSG]

 

An aroma redolent with life.  A scent which bursts and brims and overflows with life.

 

Sometimes, even without us realising it, people will get a 'whiff' of the Kingdom of God and of His glory and grace and love and forgiveness, because of the way we live. 

 

Even when we don't feel particularly 'godly'.  Even when we have doubts and feel discouraged in our faith.  Even when we're not talking about God or 'trying' to share Him in any way.  Even when we mess up and fail. 

 

Because we have Christ living within us, we cannot help but give off this scent - an aroma which invites people to life.