by Desiree Bustamante

You are a unique blend of fragrant spices stirred together by Christ.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

I make apple butter, a wonderful mixture of apples and spices, to spread on toast or use in a variety of ways. It takes some work and time to make it, but the end result is worth it. When I make this sweet concoction my house smells wonderful for several days.

“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.”
2 Corinthians 2:15-17 New Living Translation

Our fragrance in Christ reminds me of making apple butter. Christ develops our fragrance as we grow in Him, stirring together a blend of faith, gifts, and abilities mixed with His purpose. So, we become more and more like Him, yet unique from everyone else. This process takes some time, but the fragrance that is produced is enduring and lingers in every corner of the world wherever we go. To those who are members of the faith in Christ our fragrance is warm and comforting. To those who don’t believe in Him it is disgusting and irritating. We point the way to Him, through the fragrance we release, when we are living out our faith in love and kindness, and sharing His word.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO