Releasing the Aroma of Christ

"But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere."

2 Corinthians 2: 14

Let's just read that again... "But thanks be to God, who in Christ ALWAYS leads us in TRIUMPHAL procession, and THROUGH US spreads the FRAGRANCE of the knowledge of him EVERYWHERE." 

As believers, we cannot separate from ourselves the releasing of the fragrance of the knowledge of him. This means that ALWAYS and EVERYWHERE, even when we aren't thinking about it - even when we aren't acting like it, the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus is released! We don't have to do anything but believe that He is at work within us releasing His own aroma, His essence, out of us. The reality of this is staggering because of its implications for our lives. We no longer try to release His presence, or conjure up creative speech in hopes that a spiritual conversation will happen, but simply trust that everywhere we go, we and everyone we happen to pass by now has a higher capacity and likelihood of experiencing Him, having a thought of Him or an inspiration deep in their hearts to know Him. We get to live in this reality - that everywhere we go - we are releasing into all the realms of life - this beautiful essence of God. People simply pass through our lives and breathe in the intoxicating essence of God. 

Because Spring is somewhat here in Portland, trees are blooming and releasing an incredible aroma that lingers in the air everywhere. I cannot walk anywhere without inhaling in every breathe the fragrances released by the trees. The trees have done nothing but be deeply rooted in the ground, absorbing sunlight and water and nutrients as provided by God. And in season, they release their fragrance which precedes a beautiful blossoming of flowers and fruit. It struck me on a walk the other day that as believers we experience no wintering of heart. We are always in Spring and Summer - releasing the essence of God, the fruit of a life full of Him - simply because we are deeply rooted in Jesus and receive all we need from Him! 

And not only are we living life releasing His presence, but we are being LEAD in TRIUMPH. We walk in victory, triumph, extravagant celebration (because that's what happens when something is won), and joy. Victory is in our every step. Favor precedes us. Celebration is our experience. Yes - celebration can be our experience all the time because we are always lead in triumphal procession. We don't have to worry about everything turning out okay or wonder at the outcome of a situation - instead we can think, believe and move forward expectantly knowing that the journey is triumphal and the outcome celebration.