A Wonderful Aroma

​Meditation
2 Corinthians 2:14-16—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. To some we are an aroma of death leading to death, but to others, an aroma of life leading to life. And who is competent for this?

Ken, my West Point classmate, and brother-in-Christ, lives with stage four lung cancer.  Cancer wreaks havoc on his life. After undergoing Tracheoesophageal Puncture (TEP) Surgery (a total laryngectomy), Ken uses a Tracheoesophageal Voice Prosthesis to communicate. One would think with the challenges that Ken faces that, he would be depressed, withdrawn, or even upset with God.  Nope, he is none of the above. This husband, father of nine children and one grandchild, embodies joy, the sweet aroma of Christ.
           
It wasn’t always that way.  Ken was a nominal believer until serving in the Army in 1990 with classmate and B-3 company mate Carl.  Carl’s walk with God was vigorous, radiating incredible love for the Lord and people. His wonderful aroma inspired Ken. The Lord used their time together to bring Ken to the transforming decision to follow Jesus faithfully.  That’s what a powerful aroma does—it magnificently impacts people for the glory of God.
           
Ken is an amazing man. Though he struggles to get any sleep each night, he can knock out 1485 pushups under 42 minutes. Each day, he attends mass with a circle of close friends, and as his disease lingers and sleep dwindles, he prays for people.  He is an encourager and warrior whose positive attitude inspires those privileged to get to know him.
           
Life is tough. There are challenges we face that often can feel overwhelming. The key is to remember that we who follow Jesus are always on display to fellow believers and those who do not know Christ. The most excellent fragrance on earth is the aroma of life.  Let us commit to being that wonderful aroma.  Something to think about . . . in reveration!
 
Inspiration
“Open or closed, the response to the Christ of the Bible is often determined by the material found in the book of our lives.”—Joseph Aldrich in Gentle Persuasion
 
©2019 Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you want to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed, subject to the inclusion of this copyright notice.     
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)