That Fresh Baked Christian Smell

Researchers tell us that of our five senses, the sense of smell is most closely linked to our memory. One of my favorite childhood memories is riding to work with my dad and smelling the fresh bread baking at the local Colonial Bakery which we passed along the way. Here I am 35 years later and I can still close my eyes, draw a deep breath, and enjoy an aromatic trip down memory lane and Montpelier Avenue.

At the other end of the olfactory spectrum, the stench of a frightened skunk is about as repulsive a smell as there is. A skunk’s Eau De Paranoia is a pungent proclamation of his inability to handle “surprises.”

Whether it is the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread or the sour scent of skunk spray, fragrances trigger powerful impulses. That is why women wear perfume and men wear antiperspirant. We want to attract and not offend. We are drawn to each other (or if not careful –repulsed) by fragrance.

Our noses are so sensitive that even too much of a good thing can be a very bad thing. The other morning when I went to the gym, there was a lady who apparently had a car wreck on her way there and had a whole bottle of dollar store perfume break and spill all over her. I am in pretty good shape, my stamina is fair, but after a few intense minutes on the Elliptical, I am sucking wind nonetheless. And that day the wind I was sucking was tainted by Chanel # 0.99. What was she trying to hide? I mean, after all, it's a gym – a sweat shop – it's supposed to reek of testosterone!

But it was a reminder to me that in a spiritual sense, the way we live our lives can be a sweet aroma of Jesus Christ. I am on “Bible ground” here.

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 2:15-16 – The Message

When our lives reflect our relationship with God, they are noticed. To fellow believers we are a savory encouragement to continue to walk with God. To unbelievers, we are a pungent reminder that their lives are empty, dead, and rotten to the core.

Most of us would never consider going out in public without cologne, perfume, or at least underarm deodorant. We understand the ability of our aromas to make ourselves more attractive. Let’s be even more conscientious to carry the spiritual fragrance of pure hearts, uplifting speech, positive attitudes, and God-honoring behavior with us as we go about our daily lives. I am convinced that more people will be attracted to Jesus by the sweet smell of a Godly life than by the most eloquent sermon or polished Gospel presentation – important as they are.

I leave you with a reminder of the popular quote of St. Francis of Assisi:

Preach always. If necessary, use words.