“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. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?” 2 Cor. 2:14-16
We have talked often from different places in the Bible about how we are to wake up and breakout in to praise giving thanks to God not matter the circumstances of our life at the time. Paul had just been lamenting of his anxiety concerning the Corinthians and the disappointment with not finding Timothy where he was supposed to be. Even with these setbacks and disappointments we find Paul changing gears…quickly! So this morning let us join the Apostle Paul, in offering up a robust shout of joy, “But (no matter what) thanks be to God!” Why? “Who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere.” Do you see the kingdom growing? Do you see your involvement in the Kingdom growing? Paul does, even with his struggles, and he declares, “But thanks be to God!”
This is not rocket science; and it is very wonderful when you think it through. God saves us and then He makes us fishers of men…or to use the language of this text; a fragrance…an aroma…that will draw people…starting with our children…to Christ. This is the “smell” of Christ emanating from us. Of course, as my nose and allergies can attest not all fragrances and aromas draw one positively… so also the aroma of Christ in us… “For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.” And interestingly enough this is a “triumphal procession” which is processing through all the places we live, love, and labor for life or death.
We’re not called to fix anybody (took me a long time to figure this one out), fret over everything (still learning this one), or fear the obstacles (sometimes I still do). But we are called to be increasingly thankful, no matter the circumstance; as Paul reminds, “But thanks be to God”. Then let us not neglect to offer the “fragrance… aroma” of the Gospel, knowing that God is the One who controls the smell of life and the smell of death.
So today begin, again, with “But thanks be to God”. Then after you reflect on what God IS doing through you to grow His kingdom…put what you have learned in to practice! Best medicine against anxiety and depression…Thanksgiving and being God’s aroma in a stinky world!
