"...and through us diffuses the the fragrance of His knowledge in every place." (2 Corinthians 2:14)

The following statement is not contingent on current conditions, situations, circumstances or feelings: God always causes us to triumph in Christ. Regardless of ups or downs, peaks or valleys, problems or pressures….in Christ, we always are triumphant. Aren’t you glad you are “in Christ”? It is IN HIM that we live and move and have our being.

Consider with me the rest of this verse: “…..and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place”. “Through us” is the way God has chosen to reach and win a wayward world and a hurting humanity. The “us” is not limited to prophets and preachers, missionaries and evangelists. The “us” is every Christian, regardless of what denominational label they wear. The “us” is comprised of those that are well versed in scripture and those that are not - veterans and new converts. The “us” includes those that have varying views and values yet, they are saved and part of God’s great Church. I don’t know why God chose “us”… but, He did. Every person that makes up the “us” is subject to doubts, fears and failures — yet, He chose “us” to be a witness to those that haven’t trusted in Jesus as their Savior.

Notice what the Lord does “through us”: “diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place”. We need not feel awkward or embarrassed about our witness of Jesus. We might think that the unsaved view the Gospel as offensive, but in reality it is a fragrance. There is a difference in a fragrance and an odor. Philosophies of religion are an odor. Denominational pride is an odor. Criticism is an odor. Salvation based on works is an odor. A “holier than thou” attitude is an odor. But the knowledge of “Him” is a fragrance! Our testimony of God’s mercy and grace is a fragrance! God’s love towards the lost, through us, is a fragrance! God’s Word through us is a fragrance. We need not be ashamed of our knowledge of Him! Paul said, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation.

This “fragrance” was never intended to be bottled up within the four walls of a church. God never intended “the fragrance of His knowledge” to confined to pulpits, altars and sanctuaries. If our testimony is only heard by those “in the church” we have missed the mark in being a witness for Christ. Paul said that the fragrance of His knowledge was to be diffused “in every place”. We are lights in a dark world. We are salt that is to create a thirst for God in those who do not know God. Flowers do not struggle and strain to emit a fragrance. When we live and walk in the Spirit, we do not have to strain to let God be God in us and through us. We have a story to tell and a love to share and a lost world to win to Jesus… May The Church Be The Church in a world that is in desperate need of God.