Walking on our northern Utah trails gives me a great appreciation of God’s majesty.  My eyes delight in the beauty of snow-covered Wasatch peaks and the sunlight sparkling on the Great Salt Lake.  My senses awaken to the lowing of the cows and the chatter of the magpies.  As the brisk breeze sweeps over my face, my soul cannot help but praise the Maker of it all.

As beautiful as these surroundings are, along my favorite trail the odor of skunk — rank, strong, and often lasting for days — is common.  As I passed through a “skunky patch” recently, I wondered about the fragrance that I leave behind in my daily interactions with others. Paul reminded us that we are “the aroma of Christ” and through us God spreads this fragrance everywhere.

As my nose winced at the smell of the skunk, I had to wonder about times when my “fragrance” has been more of a stench — times when I might have hung on to anger and bitterness or wallowed in self-centeredness.  Have I caused others to turn up their noses at Christianity because of my spiritual stink?  That is not the witness I desire!  But as I spend time seeking God’s presence in the Bible and in prayer, God’s power purifies me.  The fragrance I share with the world then becomes the aroma of Christ’s love, grace, and truth.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for transforming us — equipping us to carry your fragrance of life and love to the world. Amen.