(Written by Pastor Doug Sandy)
“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” 2 Corinthians 2:15 (New International Version)
In 11 days the mission team will be heading to the Czech Republic and we are all engaged in a frenzy of last minute preparations. For me, this period of preparation always takes on a specific smell. It is barely noticeable as I enter the house, but it gets stronger as I approach my office. Inside my “mission headquarters”, boxes filled with supplies for the trip are sorted and stacked as they wait to be packed into duffel bags. The aroma of chocolate, candies and marshmallows is unmistakable and would be quite pleasant if it were not for one simple fact: cardboard. The acrid stench of cardboard permeates the entire atmosphere bringing to mind a Frankenstein concoction of musty wet leaves and sour milk. I fight the urge to hold my breath every time I enter the space.
After a few minutes though, my senses become accustomed to the stench. It becomes part of the background – never quite gone, but it is no longer as offensive.
I think God is using this stinky scenario as an object lesson for me. Just like the smell of cardboard can ruin the otherwise pleasing aroma of the sweets in the room, the stench of personal sin can also ruin the pleasing aroma of Christ’s work my life. If ignored, sin can become part of the background atmosphere – still there, but somehow no longer as offensive or urgent to deal with. If I want Christ to be clearly seen through my service, I need to allow Him to deal with my imperfections and stubbornness – anything that is not aligned with His perfect character. Would you join me this week in allowing God to reveal the stinky parts in our lives so that he can make them pure? As we sacrifice this way, the work of Christ in us becomes a pleasing aroma to God.
If you would excuse me now, I’m going to take a pile of empty boxes outside.
Prayer Requests and Praises
- Pray for Aidan and Andrew as they serve in their internships
- Pray that preparation for the rest of the team goes smoothly.
- Pray for health of the mission team and our Czech counterparts.
- Pray that God draws students for two full camps this year.
- Praise God supplying 95% of the financial support and supplies for the summer missions.