Mount Clinton Mennonite Church

"Thought for the Week"
(June 15, 2003)

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Your Aroma--Fragrant or Foul?

But thanks be to God, who ... through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him." --II Corinthians 2:14(NIV)
Context: II Corinthians 2:14-17 (NIV)

I've often been greeted at the door of my home, after a demanding day, by the wonderfully pleasing aroma of a scrumptious supper being prepared. Without fail, I follow my nose to the kitchen to investigate further the source of what I smell. You see, the fragrance of the food has broadcast its presence and it's promise to its surroundings.

Perhaps this is what Paul was imagining as he wrote of Jesus' followers spreading the fragrance of Jesus to all those within the sphere of their influence (II Cor. 2:14-17). Indeed, to a person hungry for what Jesus offers, a close encounter with a follower of Jesus may be just the awakening needed to prompt a further exploration of the true bread and water of life--Jesus Christ.

What kind of aroma are you and I spreading to those whose spiritual sense of smell comes near you? Do you have a fragrance like a feast fit for a king, because Jesus and God's Kingdom have taken over your life? Or do you smell like a container of leftovers forgotten for weeks in the back of the refrigerator? By God's grace and God's Spirit dwelling in us, may we truly be the fragrance of life to all who "catch wind" of us.

Prayer: Dear Lord, fill us with yourself to overflowing, that those we encounter may first and foremost encounter you. For your glory, and the expansion of your kingdom, and the building of your church. Amen.

Lee Martin

Pastor: Lee Martin (email: mcmchurch@juno.com )
Editor: Richard Bowman (email: rbowman@bridgewater.edu )
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Maintained by Richard L. Bowman (email: rbowman@bridgewater.edu. Last modified: 21-Jun-03.