Listen! Do you smell something?

Smell is one of our chemical senses, the other being taste. They are so called because they sense chemicals, and smells are, of course, chemicals. Our sense of smell is also responsible for about 80% of what we taste. Without our sense of smell, our sense of taste is limited to only five distinct sensations. Conclusively, our sense of smell is arguably one of our most important. Whether for finding food, avoiding predators or choosing a mate, the sense of smell is critical for the existence of almost all creatures. We humans, able to distinguish over 10,000 different odor molecules, utilize our sense of smell for a multitude of activities from enjoying the aroma of freshly brewed coffee to deciding when Junior needs to his diaper changed. In the last 15 years scientists have made great advances to our understanding of how our nose detects odor molecules and our brain processes the resulting information that gives rise to the sensation of smell.

I’m sure you’re wondering by now why a guy who slacked and struggled to earn a C- in his sophomore biology class is giving you a lesson on the workings of the olfactory system… Well, that’s a mighty fine question indeed!

The apostle Paul tells the Church that through us, God 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” (2Cor.2:14,15). Have you ever really thought about smelling of Jesus? As the Church, our very lives emit an aroma that can be smelled from miles around which reveals far more about us than the exterior facades we build up. James tells us that a robust community living in step with God can only happen when we do the submissive work of treating each other in the Church with dignity and honor. “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness” (Ja.3:18).

The fragrance we give off correlates directly with how we love one another in the Church. Remember that old gospel hymn “…and they’ll know we are Christians by our love…” When the world catches wind of us, do they smell peace, love, mercy, and compassion or the foul aroma of bitter envy, selfish ambition, and pride? It’s a question we need to take seriously. When we find ourselves in disagreement with one another, do we respond with complaining and gossip? If we are to be the aroma of Christ to those who don’t know Him then we must find ourselves, in humility, on our knees for and coming alongside one another. Only then will we be, to a hopeless world, the sweet smell of salvation.