By Diana Davis
PENSACOLA, Fla. (BP) — What’s the best Christmas scent? Is it cinnamon? Pine? Nutmeg? No, it’s much better than those! The “aroma of Christ” is something every Christian spreads like a sweet perfume.
Read carefully: “But thanks be to God, who always puts us on display in Christ and through us spreads the aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing” 1 Corinthians 2:14-15.
How are you handling extra stresses of the Christmas season? With unusual expectations, bulging calendars and extra work, it’s easy to become anxious and self-absorbed. But that’s not an option for a Christian.
You are assigned to spread the fragrance of Christ everywhere. God’s the source; you’re the scent-carrier. Try these simple ways to intentionally spread His aroma:
— If you use social media, each update, “like” or photo can be a life-giving fragrance to readers seeking purpose in life and an uplifting aroma to Christians.
— In the place where you work, your Christ-like fragrance permeates the atmosphere. Give your best work effort during this season. Be extra patient and kind with coworkers and clients.
— Share His aroma with children. Kneel down and say a kind word to your young neighbor or relative or a toddler crying in a grocery cart.
— Before you cross any threshold into a room — a party, your office, the living room, a doctor’s office — silently ask God to help you spread the aroma of Christ.
— Public places need His scent. Be aware as you walk through the mall or stand in a slow checkout line, at the concert, game or town festival.
— Fill your own home with the aroma of Christ. Talk about Him. Be joyful. Treasure small moments. Take pleasure in your family and guests.
— To believers and nonbelievers, friends, enemies, neighbors, hairstylist, babysitter, server — to every individual you encounter — spread the fragrance of Christ.
Isn’t it amazing that God has entrusted you, His follower, to spread the life-giving fragrance of Christ everywhere you go? Smell sweet this CHRISTmas season.
Diana Davis, on the Web at www.dianadavis.org and Twitter @dianadavisideas, is an author, columnist and ministry wife in Pensacola Fla. She is the author of “Fresh Ideas” and “Deacon Wives” (B&H Publishing); her newest book, “Six Simple Steps — Find Contentment and Joy as a Ministry Wife,” (New Hope Publishers) releases on Jan. 5.
