The Nose Knows

Wherever we go, God uses us to make clear what it means to know Christ. It's like a fragrance that fills the air. To God we are the aroma of Christ among those who are saved and among those who are dying. To some people we are a deadly fragrance, while to others we are a life-giving fragrance (2 Cor. 2:14-16).

The nose knows. What does it know? Scientists are discovering that the nose is essential to the manner in which we form relationships. We draw to people who give off scent signals that appeal to our “receptors.” What smells good to you may overwhelm another due to the number of receptors you may have. Fragrance is compelling because it can operate below the level of conscious awareness.

Perfume makers in the Old Testament created distinctive anointing oil used exclusively to set apart kings and priests for their holy purposes. These people carried with them a unique aura and by their sacred smell people knew their relationship with God was special. In the New Testament, every believer surrendered to Christ is a king and priest, set apart for an amazing destiny on earth.

Ephesians 5:2 describes the love of Christ as a fragrant offering. Surrender is the perfume Jesus wears. God anointed Him above all created and uncreated things because as a human He surrendered His life for the salvation of the world. To the extent that you and I are willing to surrender our lives to Jesus will be the extent of the anointing of Christ, we will carry.

The fragrance of the Rose of Sharon will saturate and permeate our whole life as we daily surrender to Christ. The Holy Spirit like perfumed oil signals to others that we carry the presence of the Lord, a separate sense that something is different about us. To some people, it will smell sweet, but to other, it will be offensive something to avoid. May it be that all those who draw to us do so because they are drawing to the Christ within us.