Carrying the Aroma of Christ

A Note From Anika Ortiz

Out of all of our senses, smell is known to be the one closely linked with memory. Cookies from the oven. Freshly cut Christmas tree. Ocean air. Blooming rose. Laundry detergent.

AND … It’s the time of year of the lovely stink bug. Those little bugs seem to find a way into houses, buzz into the light fixtures, and leave a less than beautiful smell in their wake! While I was making dinner, one landed in our sink, and with the faucet on it proceeded to swim down into our garbage disposal. Time went by, and I forgot about my friend who was now below the surface of what I could see until I turned on the garbage disposal. A wretched smell hit my nose, lingering until I lit a candle.

And then, there’s my grandma! My grandma passed away over a decade ago, and to this day if I smell apple pie I’m immediately taken back to her kitchen and the way she taught me to roll out a pie crust with her gentle hands.

When Paul writes to the church in Corinth, it is no wonder that he reminds the church then and us today to be the “aroma of Christ.”

He writes, “Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation - an aroma redolent with life” (2 Corinthians 2:15 MSG).

Because of Christ, there is reason to dive deep into those “stinky” places in our own lives to do hard, important and examining work so that we can be a sweet aroma to our family, neighbors, and even, yes even, the person making us mad on the freeway.

Because of Christ, there is hope deep in our bones to live differently in a world that is crying out for peace, and to share His love with those around us.

Light the beautiful candle that is your life, and let your fragrance impact and draw others to Jesus wherever your feet take you today.

What does God want to rid you of so that you are not like the stink bug?

Where can you be a sweet aroma today for someone else?