“Sniff Sniff…Do You Smell That?”
When my kids were very young, Jairus would come home from work, scoop them up, sniff the air, and say, “Hey! Have you been with _____ today?” (Insert the name of one of several blessed souls that used to visit and help me care for 4 children under 4.)
My children’s innocent little eyes sparkled in wonder at their seemingly all-knowing dad, and Kai would answer, “YEAH! How’d you know?” Then, Jairus would snuffle into their necks until they collapsed in a puddle of giggles. It was clear that he knew my kiddos had been spending time with one of these amazing people because they smelled just like them! Inevitably, the scent of Grandma’s perfume, or Buggy’s cologne, or Miss Dollie’s lotion would linger on our children’s clothes and skin as evidence of the fact they had been well loved that day.
This sweet vignette came to mind along with this scripture (2 Corinthians 2:14-15) paraphrased by Eugene Peterson:
“...Through us, He [God] brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation - an aroma redolent with life.”
As Regen presses into obedience to “go and make disciples”, following the way of Jesus can start to feel a little more difficult. That is, in fact, as it should be.
The responsibility of partnering with God in His plan to save the world is huge! But we have to remember, along with that responsibility comes the beauty of relationship with the Father. We are not doing all the work of reaching out alone, (thankfully...because that would be a disaster!)
So, if the idea of reaching out feels intimidating to you, press into your relationship with the Father. Spend time in worship. Pray, asking Him to help you see people the same way He does. Listen for His gentle nudges and take baby steps of obedience.
Interestingly enough, the more time you spend with the Father, the more you may just start to “smell” like Him. Your words might be a little kinder. You may be more inclined to generosity. You may be filled with a little more joy.
People will begin to take notice: “Hey! (sniff, sniff) Do you smell that? (sniff, sniff sniff) Have you been with the Father today?” or it might more likely sound like, “What is so different about you lately?”
From this point, you get the joy of simply answering their questions honestly. And maybe taking the extra step of inviting them to take a step too.
I would love to stop here and leave it all tied up with a neat little bow. But I can’t...because there is more to that verse: “But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse.”
Yikes! So sharing the gospel with the people in your life may not always be easy...and it won’t always be well received. Some people in your life will be put off by the “smell” that lingers on you after spending time with God. In fact...some people may find your kindness irritating, your generosity annoying, and your joy nauseating.
That’s okay.
As long as the change in you is authentic, and your reaching out is motivated by Christ-like compassion; keep pressing into your relationship with the Father, and into your responsibility to partner with Him.
The rest of the passage ties it up nicely: “This is a terrific responsibility. Is anyone competent to take it on? No - but at least we don’t take God’s Word, water it down, and then take it to the streets to sell it cheap. We stand in Christ’s presence when we speak; God looks us in the face. We get what we say straight from God and say it as honestly as we can.” (2 Corinthians 2:16-17 msg)
Love you friends, and I’m grateful to be with you…(sniff, sniff). Do you smell that? Someone’s been with the Father...
-Randi
Randi Banning is married to Jairus, and they live in Cortland with their four children. Randi serves on the Regen Oversight Team and co-leads the Regen Care Team.
