What Truth Smells Like

Scripture: In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse. 2 Corinthians 2:14-16

Observation: References to aroma typically align to the instructions about sacrifice as handed down to Moses. Burnt offerings were repeatedly described as an aroma pleasing to the Lord, and the same is true of prayer and service to the Lord ... these things are said to rise to heaven and manifest before the Lord's throne as a pleasing aroma. So when Paul discusses how he - and in fact how all believers - give off a smell, it harkens to this same metaphor.

Paul says that believers give of an aroma, but that aroma is perceived differently based on one's attitude toward God. For those who desire salvation and seek the truth about their lives, the aroma is a "sweet scent" that is full of life. However, for those who reject God, reject the truth, and even actively seek the earthly lies about life, the aroma is more like "the stench of a rotting corpse," a foul smell of death.

Application: My friend and I will be slow-smoking a full beef brisket this Labor Day Weekend. For me, I know exactly what this will smell like ... it will smell delicious! It will exude smoke, mixed with roasted meat, and likely a hint of spices, and this will go on for hours and hours until we finally get to enjoy it. However, for a person who dislikes barbeque - or even hates all meat - such a person may describe this very different. They might describe the aroma as some combination of destruction plus burning organic matter, the kind of smell that may arise from a deadly house fire. As a worst-case scenario, they may even have a very painful experience involving such a situation, and the smell could trigger hurt-filled memories.

In this way, I understand Paul's metaphor about the aroma of the gospel message. Some may consider it an exquisite fragrance, and some may think it is a destructive stench. Some may be drawn to it, their inner hunger triggered even as they were far away from it, and some may seek shelter away from it, seeking escape from the intrusive air blown their way. Some may hope to be invited to share in it, and some may hope to have it go away as soon as possible.

Interestingly, in all cases, the actual smell is exactly the same. The smell doesn't change ... it never changes and is itself identical in composition and chemistry at all times and in all places, as it reaches all people. It is the personal reception, interpretation, and attitude of the individual that changes. And there is nothing we can do about that.

Again, that is exactly like the truth found in the gospel message. As it is delivered into the world, some will find it pleasing, and they will be drawn to it, even hunger for it. Others will find it intrusive and repulsive, perhaps even painful. But the truth itself is the same.

Prayer: Lord, so many times we desire not to offend people in discussions about how the Church interacts with the world and delivers your gospel. Today's reminder is clear, that to a great degree we cannot offend nor protect. Rather, we can only be faithful to you and deliver your words and your work into the world, and it will be received based on how people choose to receive it. May more and more people find the truth to be a pleasing aroma. Amen.