But 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. II Corinthians 2:14
For centuries, people have adorned themselves with fragrance to bring a sweetness to the air they breathe and a fresh and delightful aroma to their presence with others. Not much has changed as our culture is no different. A billion-dollar industry, perfume and cologne play an integral role in social awareness and relationship building. Sometimes overused, it can throw a room of people in a tail-spin. But when used in moderation, it can unite and welcome even the least known.
Yesterday I was having a conversation with a family member while getting ready to head over to a friends house. Getting ready and going alone, I made a comment as I dashed some cologne on my wrist. I felt it was a waste of some good cologne to use for such an occasion. But upon reflection, I realized it was as much for me as it was for everyone else. Today I smell nothing — good or bad (thank goodness!). Why you may ponder? Well, I didn’t dash the cologne.
In Christ, I possess a fragrance that need not be applied every day. However, it is one through faith, I must choose. I must meet each day smelling of the fragrance of His triumph! It is a fragrance of faith and victory that gives strength and power unlike anything on earth. But when the prince of the air deceives my heart with lies and wages war in my mind, the aroma of His triumph is stifled by the smell of garbage, if I believe it.
Consenting without a single protest is easy to do. It comes at a great price, but often, like a fox, sneaks it’s way through. But the battle that wages for my mind is not one that I am incapable of taking captive. Then, and only then, can I take a step back and allow my Champion to win! This requires a trust and belief that exercises my faith to a level that surpasses understanding at times. It’s big, but it’s awesome!
So, with my everyday choices that come sometimes in triplicate, I stand to choose with what fragrance to meet each day. I choose, this day, to surround myself with the cologne of Christ and become a fearless fighter and soldier. Through this Christ can, and will fight for me and through me! Amen!
. . . then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . . Joshua 24:15