Randy Wray’s Blog

The scriptures are filled with many vivid metaphors. God is described as a rock, a fortress, a strong tower. Jesus describes himself as the bread of life, the living water, the door, the gate, and a few more. People are described negatively as a wayward sheep or an unfaithful bride. There are also some positive descriptions of people.

There are some positive metaphors which describe God’s intent for our life on this earth.

Perhaps the most well known metaphor is “You are the salt of the earth,” followed closely by “You are the light of the world.”

My favorite metaphor? We are the sweet smell of Christ.

2 Corinthians 2:14-15 (NCV) But thanks be to God, who always leads us in victory through Christ. God uses us to spread his knowledge everywhere like a sweet-smelling perfume. Our offering to God is this: We are the sweet smell of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are being lost.

Physical hygiene is important. Deodorant, perfume and cologne are a good thing (the latter in moderation of course). How you smell does make a difference.

I’m always challenged by this passage that God intends the fragrance of our life, in Christ, to be like a sweet-smelling perfume. Certainly the sweet smell of Christ represents different things to different people, as the passage continues to explain. Why does it often seem that church things tend to leave a different smell behind?

I’m continually reminding myself, sometimes more than others, that my words and actions carry a certain fragrance. How you smell does make a difference.

AC FACT OF THE DAY (Two for Tuesday)

1946 - After World War II, the demand for room air-conditioners begins to increase. Thirty thousand room air-conditioners were produced that year.

1947 - Air conditioning becomes a bargaining issue when textile workers in North Carolina strike because of stressful heat and humidity in the workplace.