I recently bought a new travel cologne and I have gotten rave reviews from friends about it. The fragrance is so distinct and lasting, that friends have asked for the brand, so they can purchase the cologne for themselves. I initially thought the cologne was an exorbitant purchase, as the purchase cost me “a fortune”. However, today, I am so glad paid the price. Its fragrance makes me smell distinct and stand out on my many travels. It has served as a catalyst to my self-confidence, hence accentuating my ability to engage and influence people I have interacted with on my travels.
As I pondered the rave reviews I have gotten, based on the distinct fragrance of my cologne, these verses popped in my mind “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us spreads and makes evident everywhere the sweet fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which ascends] to God, [discernible both] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the latter one an aroma from death to death [a fatal, offensive odor], but to the other an aroma from life to life [a vital fragrance, living and fresh]. And who is adequate and sufficiently qualified for these things? For we are not like many, [acting like merchants] peddling God’s word [shortchanging and adulterating God’s message]; but from pure [uncompromised] motives, as [commissioned and sent] from God, we speak [His message] in Christ in the sight of God” (2 Corinthians 2:14-17 AMP).
These verses are so remarkable. It clearly defines us (the children of God) as fragrances of hope! Only those doomed for destruction spitefully reject this fragrance of hope. It is such a privilege that our Father who commissioned us to model the message of hope, both in our conduct and speech, also continually leads us in triumph in Christ. This is mind blowing!
To this end, we should brace up and have our understanding continually enlightened by the word of truth (Ephesians 6:14), so we can consistently carry ourselves in line with the reality of who we are and the commission our Father has given to us. I cannot emphasise this enough – God continually leads us in triumph in Christ and we are the “Fragrances of hope”.
Emeka Ofia
