I was sitting in a restaurant the other day when a fellow walked in and sat at a table just behind me. Almost instantly the area was overcome by the bitter acrid smell of cigarette smoke. Now sometimes the smell of cigarette smoke is not really distasteful but this on the other had was that deep, harsh odor that is simply repulsive.
I bring this up to remind us that there are more communicating issues to life than the two senses of hearing and seeing. On this same issue you can identify with that pleasant smell of fresh bread or that tantalizing odor of popcorn. All of these dynamics are realities of life that God has brought to us in His marvelous creative work. And I want to bring to your attention that these dynamics are a part of the communication of the gospel. Sharing the reality of Christ is not just an academic issue. In good solid Biblical evangelism there is a living side that brings conviction and assurance that is necessary to the work. This “living side” is provided by the sweet and lovely testimony of our lives. Apart from that we are just rattling pipes and clanging noisemakers. Notice this text of Scripture in this context:
2 Corinthians 2:14-16 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
I find it interesting to consider this thought, “ is the fresh and wonderful fragrance of Christ on my life?” You cannot fulfill your evangelical responsibilities by just passing along a gospel tract or giving out an oral testimony. It must also be the essence of you life. That is a Biblical mandate.
