Pic from Flickr by Julie Cupcake
There is nothing better on a Monday morning than smelling fresh coffee brewing. The amazing coffee aroma fills up the kitchen. The smell of the fresh brewed coffee starts your mind working. Smell enhances taste. The aroma of the coffee causes you to think about the steaming, hot cup of deliciousness that you are about to enjoy.
The Bible says that as a disciple, our lives are to be lived in such a way that our life is a sweet aroma to God.
For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,
(2 Corinthians 2:15 ESV)
Think about that for a moment. The aroma of Christ to God. This would be an enjoyable, pleasant aroma, not a foul smelling one.
Your life should smell like:
- a fresh apple pie right out of the oven
- a cinnamon roll
- a new red rose
- a dozen, hot Krispy Kreme doughnuts
- a fresh cup of coffee
How do we live our lives so that they are the aroma of Christ to God?
Live your life to the glory of God.
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
(1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV)
Walk in Jesus.
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him.
(Colossians 2:6 ESV)
Love His Word.
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
(Psalm 119:11 ESV)
Renew your mind.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
(Romans 12:2 ESV)
Following the leading of the Holy Spirit and desiring to be conformed more to the image of Jesus is like a bouquet of fresh flowers to God.
To be the aroma of Christ to God, your life must be offered as a sacrifice.
Everything in your life is to be used to the glory of God and not to the glory of yourself. After Paul was redeemed, his entire life was lived in service and sacrifice to God. This includes his suffering.
We do not like to think much of suffering but God uses our suffering to His glory and for our good. The suffering we will experience is to mold us and shape us and help us to become the people that God created us to be to accomplish the works that He has given us to accomplish.
The more you are conformed to the image of Christ, the more your life will be a sweet aroma to God.
How are you living your life to be a sweet aroma to God?
Pastor Jimmy Proulx 