We live & move through this world using our five senses- sight, sound, touch, taste & smell. Our sensory experiences can be positive or negative- pleasant or terrible. Last week I experienced the sights, sounds & smells of Scotland’s capital city.
I walked through the buzzing cobbled streets in Edinburgh. The Dome was already fully decorated & the scent of cinnamon & pine lingered- Christmastime was definitely in the air!
We sprayed fragrance testers in John Lewis in St James’ Quarter while those around searched to find their signature scent.
The welcoming aroma of freshly ground coffee ushered us into the Old Town.
Later, I sensed the crisp scent of amber autumn leaves as I ran (slowly!) in Edinburgh’s leafy suburbs. Later still, I lit a jasmine & sandalwood candle in the van.
Scents connect us to memories & emotions. Aromas are nostalgic- reviving our memory & enhancing the moment. They bring the past to the present again!
Science has shown that scents affect our mood & even our work performance.
The Bible compares believers to an aroma:
‘For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.’
(2 Corinthians 2:15 NIV)
This imagery evoked memories of the aroma of incense & burnt sacrifices offered during Old Testament times at the Temple.
However, this smell is perceived differently by others & has a contrasting effect:
“To 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?”
(2 Corinthians 2:16 NIV)
This verse is a powerful word-picture. To the disobedient & perishing we are the rotting stench of doom & death. (The same word is used literally in John 11:39 to describe the odour of Lazarus’ body in the tomb)
Yet to those who believe & are being saved, we are the scent of life- a sweet smelling perfume.
‘Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God’
This is an awesome responsibility.
We can enhance the sweetness of the atmosphere as God is within us. By His Holy Spirit we can show God’s presence & share the message of Jesus.
The essence of God permeates the space around us – flowing out of our relationship with Him into other’s lives through our words & deeds.
May we spread God’s fragrance of grace, life & hope as we cross others’ paths this week
Blessings,
Ruth x
Photo credit-Daniel J Schwarz via Pexels
Blessed! 