Smell of Life or Death

 ¹⁴But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. ¹⁵For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. ¹⁶To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? ¹⁷Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.

- 2 Corinthians 2

We all want to be liked by others. Some of us enjoy various levels of adversity, but we all have our limits. But we all have to make choices. Will I have principles, beliefs and standards that I am not willing to compromise even if others ridicule me and abuse me?

Paul makes it clear in this passage that as followers of Jesus Christ we will affect those around us. You would think that everyone would want to respond to Christ with what he offers to us. Life changing purpose here on earth, a fulfilling life, and of course, eternal life in heaven forever. As our lives are changed by the Holy Spirit of God, we become full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control. We sacrificially reach out to those without hope and are helpless and bring them help and hope. What's not to like about that?

To those who respond favourable, we are the aroma that brings life.

But to those who refuse to respond to Christ, we are a reminder that they stand before God without hope and a future. To them we are the smell of death. We don't have to say a word.