February, 2003

“For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” II Cor. 2:15

Spiritually, it serves us well to reflect on where we are at from time to time. In this occasion, Paul began his reflections by giving thanks to God. He saw that his ministry was a part of the “triumphal procession in Christ” which is directed and guided by God. He used an imagery that was commonly known in his time, depicting an army of triumphal Roman soldiers marching behind its commander displaying the result of a significant military victory. As part of the procession, a priest would swing a container filled with spices, perfumes, and incense as they paraded into the city.

The fragrance that fell affected different people in different ways. To the triumphant soldiers who came home in victory, it meant life and prosperity. But to the defeated enemy who were chained as captives, it meant a preparation for burial. In this verse, Paul used this imagery to show that he and any other gospel messenger are the aroma of Christ. Their fragrance (what they say and do) will fall on those who are being saved and those who are perishing. Same aroma, but opposite result. To those who are being saved, they find the knowledge of Life that leads to eternal salvation, but to those who are perishing, they reject the author of Life, which will lead to eternal death.

To be the bearer of an aroma so potent as to lead to life or death is a heavy responsibility. Paul asked a very practical question in the following verse, “And who is equal (better translates as sufficient) to such a task?” Then, he turned around and answered the question in the following chapter. “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.” (3:5)

Every Christian is an aroma for Christ. You and I must realize that there is a tremendous responsibility, yet it should not burden us, for we have our Lord parading victoriously ahead of us. All is needed from us is our faithfulness. I would like to share with you the secret of being faithfulness. It isn’t “doing things” to maintain the status quo. It is a constant abiding in the Lord that will determine how effective and efficient we are as the aroma of Christ. For “apart from me (Jesus) you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). Have you been spending time with your Lord everyday?

---