Power of Fragrance

Joni's Devotional

Today's Devotional

“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. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other the fragrance of life.” — 2 Corinthians 2:14-16

The wind shifts in October, carrying on the breeze the scent of a seasoned wood-fire from a neighbor’s chimney. Lean out your window, draw a deep breath, and you can smell the scent of pine from a nearby woods. Or someone baking an apple pie next door. I love this time of year because of the wonderful new aromas in the air. It’s amazing how a scent — even a fragrance — evokes powerful feelings.

Today’s verse speaks of the power of fragrance. It’s another way of saying, “I want to live in a way that will perpetually remind God of the obedience, sacrifice, and devotion of the Lord Jesus. I want my words and deeds to bring to God’s mind fragrant memories of the earthly life of his Son.”

What’s more, our godly words and deeds not only remind God of his Son, but remind others of him, too — whether they believe in Jesus or not. To be obedient among the fellowship of believers is to carry with you the fragrance of Christ. To be obedient in a wicked world is to remind others of the stench of death. But that’s not bad! Sometimes the wicked need to face their own mortality to be awakened out of their spiritual slumber. No matter how others interpret it, just be certain to waft Jesus their way.

The smell of hot apple pie brings to mind deep-rooted memories. A wood fire or the scent of pine will do the same. In the same way, your life of obedience can please God with an aroma that reminds him of Jesus. Be fragrant. Be a sweet smelling savor. Be obedient and, thus, be God’s memory of his Son.

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May my life give off the scent of Christ to all those around me. And, Father, may my obedience bring a smile to you, today, reminding you of your precious Son.

From More Precious Than Silver, April 6, by Joni Eareckson Tada, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1998.