Scratch and Sniff

My kids had a “Scratch & Sniff” book we used to read when they were little. The story revolved around preparations for a picnic, and every page was well-scratched.  The orange, blueberry, rose, and chocolate chip scents were favorites, the only one we avoided was the skunk that had invaded the festivities. No surprise, it was horrendous…well we had to try it at least once!  Of course it got me thinking about Christians as “scratch and sniffs“. On the outside we can represent Christ in a lovely manner, but what happens when our surface is scratched, even just a little?  Is the aroma we give off, as pleasing as the picture we present, or do we smell to high heaven?  Whatever we are “full of“, that’s what will be released.  If Christ and his love fills us, that sweetness will fill the air; if there is anger, unforgiveness or jealousy a malodorous cloud appears. Jesus spoke this to the Pharisees, “ For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.”  Matthew 12:34. It takes constant practice to fill and refill  ourselves with Him, but it is possible.  Life can be like that childhood book, we’re going to get scratched, make sure your sniff is sweet. “For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; 2 Corinthians 2:15.