The Essence of Jesus: Becoming the Fragrance of Faith

There was something so familiar about that smell! Standing alone in the middle of the little shop, I closed my eyes, held the candle closer and inhaled a little deeper this time. Dish soap! It smelled like Palmolive dish soap. Emotions engulfed my heart. In my mind’s eye I could see that bottle with the bright green liquid sitting in the window above her sink. The thought of those gentle bubbles instantly transported me back to being with my grandma in her kitchen. That was one of my most favorite and soul-comforting places to be. It’s been years since she went to heaven, but there isn’t a day that I don’t miss her. After all this time, it’s not uncommon for me to fight back tears when I think of her. 

Strangely, setting the candle and its reassuring aroma back in its home on the shelf was like saying goodbye, again, to the love and acceptance my grandma gave so effortlessly. Growing up, those were feelings I didn’t experience often. Truthfully, it’s still a struggle for me to accept  them with confidence. Yet, I still walked away from the candle with my sweet memories in tow.

I’m sure I’m not the only one to experience some sort of flashback from an aromatic encounter. We can’t escape them. Smells like freshly baked bread, buttery popcorn, a cigar, or laundry; clean or not so clean, leave impressions that aren’t easily forgotten. Or, how about a gym or other less appealing scents? Anyone who’s raising kids ,or raised them, is nodding their head right now and maybe even holding their hand up high in agreement.

All kidding aside, it’s fascinating to me that our sense of smell is one of the most important triggers of our memories. One reason for this, according to The Harvard Gazette, is that our olfactory system is located near the same part of our brain that impacts creativity, memories and…low drumroll…our emotions.

A recent study by Rockefeller University in New York City shows that we remember 35% of what we smell, compared to 5% of what we see and only 2% of what we hear. 

It makes me wonder if there’s a way to create scented words. I feel like it would greatly improve the communication between me and my husband!

All that to say, scents are very powerful and impactful.

Think about it. Historically, scents were, and still are, used for all sorts of things like rituals including healing, celebrations, sacrifices and so much more. 

It got me wondering, what do I smell like? I get compliments on my perfume. That’s always nice to hear, but is that really the essence of me and who I am?

Dictionary.com states several definitions of the word “essence.” I won’t go into all of the specifics, but basically it can be the nature of something, a derivative or a scent.

I never really thought about my very being having an aroma, but listen to what Paul says.

“But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?” 

(2 Corinthians 2:14-16 NLT)

Wow! That almost takes my breath away. You, and me, we are the very essence of Jesus! Not only does all of His holiness live in us, but we are a “life-giving perfume.” Amazing!

I feel like if you and I were sitting across from each other in a coffee shop right now, we’d both sit back and take a minute to process that truth. We have the opportunity, everyday, to represent Jesus and the hope of what a life offered to Him brings. 

According to a commentary I read, that’s the kind of life Paul lived. He considered sharing God’s message to be an honor and one that could be compared to the victory of leaders of the Roman army. After a successful war, they would celebrate with a procession. People would burn a beautifully aromatic type of incense to express their joy. It was an incredible moment for the victorious. It wasn’t quite as lovely for their opponents because it most likely meant death. But for Paul, he likened his ministry to that smell. People either put their trust in Jesus to save them based on his teachings, or they rejected it and God.

If I’m being really honest, I don’t think the essence of me is always aligned with the essence of Jesus. I think I’m a kind person and I’m not afraid to proclaim my faith, but it’s not at the forefront of my mind in all of my interactions…not like Paul’s passionate message that made a life-changing difference.

I imagine that when anyone was around Paul they knew without a doubt that he walked with the Spirit of Jesus. I want that for me and everyone around me. In the same way that candle brought to life the love I felt from my grandma, I want to exude a Christ-centered fragrance that grabs the attention of hearts.

Maybe you’re like me and want that too but don’t know where or how to begin. For me, I think to do this, and be this, it means changing the way I think and how I approach my day. I have a tendency to be goal-oriented, but those goals are typically my goals. I have every intention of starting my day in prayer and trying to be led by God. Sadly, most days I fail. 

I have so many things! I have my obligations, my commitments, my never-ending to do list and truthfully, my own agenda. But look at how many times I used the word, “my.” The struggle is more than real. It can feel impossible.

Here are a few things I’m trying. I’m not always consistent, but I’m guaranteed to fail if I don’t try….and try again.

First, I take a breath, pause and direct, or redirect, my thoughts to Jesus. Sometimes I even have to close my eyes. It could be me, but I feel like it’s more effective in preventing me from using words when I can’t see.

Second, in my moment of pause, I consider what His truth would say about any given situation. Spending time becoming familiar with God’s Word is a huge help.

Last, I actively trust that I’m already equipped with the knowledge or ability to be brave and act on His behalf.

Sweet friend. I know daily life can feel overwhelming. My heart longs to be a better Jesus girl, but there are days that I feel it’s a success if I keep my family fed. It’s even more of a win if I keep myself fed too! It can feel defeating before even getting started when the pace of our day doesn’t allow for pause. I get it! 

But I believe that we were intentionally created by the Author and Creator of the universe for a reason. I believe we already have the power to shift how we approach each day and our responses. I believe you and I can make a difference and be the very essence of a life walked out in faith. I can almost hear you saying, “Amen!” And if you’re not, it’s ok, I’m claiming it for both of us.