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For many people, coming to Christ is a gradual process. They hear a few words about Jesus and like what they hear. They read a brief passage of Scripture, and it "rings true" to them. They meet a person who is a Christian and long for that added something to their life. What happens after that?

In this section of his letter to the church at Corinth, Paul said Christians are like perfume (2:15, 16). But not everyone likes that scent. Some people even think it stinks. But for those who are "being saved," the fragrance of Christian faith is like a magnet. These people are ready for a Christian friend who God can use to continue to draw that person into his family.

We all tend to gravitate toward people who are like us (similar educational, economic, and religious backgrounds), but such a narrow understanding of relationship isn't what Paul had in mind. He saw Christians as people who lead others "to life" (2:16).

Are you living your life in open gratitude to God in front of the checkout person, your coworker, your son's baseball coach? If you are, you'll be the sweet smell of perfume that God intends you to be. And those whom God is calling to faith will be drawn to you because of your example—the best basis for friendship anyway! (See also 1 Kings 19; Revelation 7:9-12.)

We are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. 2 Corinthians 2:15-16

What kind of "scent" are you giving off to others?

Copyright 2003 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.

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