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. And who is equal to such a task? 2 Corinthians 2:15-16
God spreads through us, “the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ” (verse 14) whether we are aware of it or not, regardless of where we are and who we are with. As Paul says, “who is equal to such a task?”
Even Moses knew, thousands of years ago, there ought to be something different about God’s people and in the wilderness we find him saying to God, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here … What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” (Exodus 33:15-16). Indeed, apart from the Presence of God, what will distinguish us from anyone else? Moses realized the thing that sets God’s people apart isn’t outward observances of rituals, being law-abiding citizens, or even helping people in need. The thing which sets us apart is the Presence of God or the “fragrance of Christ” radiating from our lives.
It ought to be apparent to others that we have a source of power in our lives that isn’t natural, but rather supernatural. It’s a power which causes us to be more loving, more joyful, more peaceful, more patient, to show more kindness, more integrity, more faithfulness, more gentleness, and be more self-controlled (Galatians 5:22). Is my life radiating these things? Or is my life indistinguishable from those people who are hard-working, respectable members of my community?
