Fragrance

2 Corinthians 5:20 (MSG) We're Christ's representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences ..........
One of my favourite stores is Myer, a large upmarket store. Why? They have a section devoted to fragrance and because we all love fragrance we will go there and test their wares. This has the effect of filling the whole store and even the outer court area with delightful fragrance. It is attractive!
I have just said we love fragrance. Do we realise how much we love it in our relationships? Why do we like to be around certain people?
Each of us carry a fragrance. Are we like Pepe la Pew? a skunk with a repellent fragrance? or like Myer filled with the most sought after, most expensive of fragrance?
How is fragrance developed in us? We are squeezed by life's experiences and by choosing we become a most delicate (for women) fragrance or a most attractive spice (for men) fragrance.
Our fragrance tells of who we are. It tells a lot about us. Before going out somewhere special I love to soak in a fragrant bath, my skin absorbs the fragrance. I prepare myself.
As life's experiences smash against us they can make us bitter or better. If I allow myself to be broken and not resist the breaking then my 'alabaster box' is cracked open and my fragrance escapes, a gentle and quiet spirit.
If I resist and fight, a smell of sweat comes out. Ever been to the gym and done a workout next to a particularly sweaty male, phew! Are you enticed?
I represent the most fragrant of all, the one who did not resist evil men nailing him to a tree. If I represent Him then surely I must carry His fragrance or I will not be His representative but an impostor.
Jesus said 'take up your cross and follow Me'. That's how fragrance is made. Amen!

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