It is not so pleasant when we are subject to foul odors. It can upset your stomach or have other negative responses, causing you to get far away as possible from the smell. For example ladies, have you ever burned the food you were cooking and the smell is all over the house? Not a pleasant experience is it? Nor is it for our Father. God prefers and expects a “sweet aroma” from His children. In the picture above, this young girl has entrenched herself in the smell and beauty of God’s creation. She is authentic. She’s enjoying the joy and peace of God. I bet she is grateful, appreciates the Creator, and wants to live a life to honor Him.

The Bible shares many scripture passages on a flagrant smell before the Lord. Ephesians 5:2 tells us “And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” Jesus was a sweet-smelling aroma because He was obedient to the Father. He loved unconditionally and walked in humility.

In Genesis 8:20-21 when Noah came out of the Ark, he built an altar and presented every clean animal and burnt offerings. The Lord was pleased. He was satisfied with the “soothing aroma”. He was pleased with His people and their worship. Yes, it was about worship. And what about you? Is Christ pleased with your worship? Will He accept your fragrance or reject it?

I am reminded of a lady named Ruth, the daughter-in-law of Naomi. Ruth demonstrated her excellent character by taking the initiative to change her circumstances. Her small choices of good stewardship turned into great blessings. We can do the same. Even under challenging circumstances, we can ask ourselves, “What can I do?” We can take the initiative, with humility, to make the most of the opportunities before us. Ruth’s love replaced her indifference, her joy countered sadness, peace replaced anxiety and patience over impulsiveness. Ruth showed kindness to care about others. She showed goodness by seeing Naomi’s needs. She had faithfulness in Naomi’s God, our Lord, and Savior; and she possessed self-control to rise above self-centeredness. Wow, what a sweet fragrance offered up to our King of Kings and LORD of all. Amen!

Do you lovingly urge believers in Jesus to help one another live together in the Spirit of Christ? Do you give witness to all you’re separated from in this world in devotion to the Lord? Is your complete self the flow of creativity that God has given you, found its channel? Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.” As you commit your way to God, trusting Him to lead and guide you; you will become the sweet aroma. Are you serving Him through your gifts and passions? Our identity is rooted and grounded in Christ. Let us know and embrace our calling that we might better love and serve others. Are we giving forth the fragrance of Jesus Christ in our lives, labor, and to others?

One spiritual sacrifice is continual praise to God. The words of praise from our lips, coming from our hearts are like fruit being presented on the altar. Do we look for opportunities to do good, share, and be given to hospitality? Hebrews 13:15-16, “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”

Are you a peacemaker or do you cause division? Do you follow God’s wisdom? Ecclesiastes 7:1-10 references the fact that “better” things come to those who follow God’s wisdom. It goes on to contrast your life while living and how your life is remembered when you die. The life lived between these two events (birth and death), will determine whether your name leaves behind a lovely fragrance or a foul stench. Living life should be taken seriously. Life is short, therefore live and love well. This is the time with God’s help to live wisely.

Don’t be like the Israelites in the wilderness. Psalm 95:8-11, “Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, as in the day trial in the wilderness, when your fathers tested Me; They tried Me, though they saw My work. For forty years I was grieved with that generation. And said, ‘It is a people who go astray in their hearts, And they do not know My ways.’ “So I swore in My wrath, “They shall not enter My rest.” They hardened their hearts and refused to hear His Word. God was not pleased. Forty years in the wilderness and many died during this journey. When we see what great things God has done and we refuse to trust Him; and fail to cultivate a godly heart that fears and honors the Lord, it is sin. So, are you a sweet aroma, pleasing to the Father, or do you continually test Him?

Study the Bible, exam yourself, meditate, apply His Word to your life, pray for others, share the Gospel message, and love as Jesus modeled In doing these things, we will always be a sweet-smelling aroma to God and wherever we go. He will bless your life.

I ask again, “Are you a sweet-smelling aroma?