Natural gas is a source of energy in many households. However, it is not without risks. It can leak creating the potential for explosion or fire. Natural gas is odorless. A harmless chemical is added to natural gas. This chemical is not odorless. The purpose is to create a means to detect a natural gas leak. The goal is to detect the leak before enough gas is released and fire or explosion results.
2 Corinthians 2:14-16 English Standard Version (ESV)
14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?
The world around us is full of smells. The same was true of the ancient world, only more so. One of the things we do not experience in the west is the burning of incense. I suppose what we experience are candles burning or the diffusion of aromatic oils. I have a candle that I burn that my husband always complains about and makes me blow it out. I finally threw it away. He burns similar candles and it was always a mystery to me that he did not like the smell of my candle. Burning incense for certain events or rituals brought about either the inclusion or exclusion of those who smelled the scent. Inclusion for those in favor and exclusion for those out of favor. The scent added to natural gas likewise can be life or death. It brings life to those who heed and evacuate. It brings death to those who ignore it until combustion ensues.
We carry Christ’s presence. We then become the symbol of inclusion or exclusion, of life or death. This will bring about differing responses depending on the position (in or out) of the observer. People will react in response. We need not be disconcerted by these negative reactions. They have much at stake and will respond accordingly. We must exercise grace. I am referring to their offense at the presence of Christ in our lives. It is not OK to be offensive. We are not to misbehave then use this verse to shrug off the reaction we receive. We are to live our lives with love as the context to all we do. This will encourage some and will upset others.
My challenge to you today:
Do you carry about you the presence of Christ in such a way that it wafts over others?
Are you able to shrug off the negative responses, knowing that they are separated from Christ and you are reminding them?
Are you willing to exercise grace and pray rather than taking offense at negative responses?