Signature Fragrance

Paul helps us understand God's work in us through the metaphors of letter and fragrance.
     

                                                                                                                                        

Letter writing takes cooperation of mind, pen and paper. When Christ writes on our cooperative hearts, the resulting letter reflects God's character -- life-giving and fragrant.

Interestingly, Christ's fragrance on us smells like death to some, but life to others. This is not surprising because Jesus warned his disciples that his servants would experience extremes of reception and rejection (see John 15:20-21).


As we become more like our Master, when, "in Christ," the Spirit writes in our hearts, the results are distinctive: death to the old, life to the new! And joy, peace, patience ... undernotes of a great fragrance.

 "Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God" (2 Cor 3:4).


If we are cooperating with the Spirit's writing on our hearts, we read clearly and smell good. Christ's costly fragrance has the power to draw or turn people away. And in difficulties that crush our tender places, we find new undernotes of Christ's sweet fragrance.


So, no matter how things appear, we can have confidence that God is working and will use us to spread his Signature Fragrance.  Full co-operation with God's Spirit is critical. That's how we discard cheap imitations  and wear the real thing.


Oh! I found its name in 2 Corinthians 2:14. 



Triomphe!



FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

Read 2 Corinthians 2:14 - 3:4

What is Christ's current signature fragrance in your life? Can you see that your challenges may be refining your Designer's fragrance in you?

Unpretentious Worship

Have you ever been in a gathering where you notice people who genuinely worship, unrestricted by others around them? What a joy!

This Resurrection Sunday, we were worshipping Jesus who had publicly poured out His love for us on the cross. We were celebrating the power of the empty tomb.

I had the privilege of sitting behind Philip. Occasionally, I'd glimpse his face: eyes closed yet focused, expression peaceful but passionate. Tall and slim, this young man's unpretentious worship fanned the fire in my own heart. Unconcerned with people around him, it was as if just he and the Lord were in the sanctuary.

So I chose to be outwardly expressive also. It was appropriate, and he had led the way into the holy place.

When I observe a fellow pilgrim worship from that deep inner place, pouring out adoration like precious perfume, the fragrance of Christ fills my own heart. Then the fragrance spreads to others, and Christ becomes visible beyond our worship style, the length of our arms, or the color of our necks.

I dare not look long at those worshippers, because I seem to be intruding on their holy space. But beyond that, my own heart longs to join in the adoration so due our Lord.

Doesn't yours?

For Your Consideration

"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, NIV)


Are you able to abandon others opinions of you and publicly express honor and love to Christ who poured out His love for you? If not, what keeps you hostage?

How clean and lovely is the fragrance God spreads through you?