Pony Car Parables (4)

A Pleasing Aroma

Ever notice the unique smell of a classic car? Dad had a 65 Impala SS when I was young. Even now, over 3 decades later, as I get in Vinny, that smell is so familiar. I’m sure it’s just exhaust, but I’ve always liked it (strange, I know). As I thought about this, it reminded me of what God teaches about certain aroma...
I have heard that the sense of smell is the most linked to memory. And, apart from Vinny, I’ve experienced it many times. God mentions things that are ‘pleasing aromas’ and things that aren’t. We’re also told of spiritual aroma. The first mention is in Gen 8 with Noah offering on an altar he built. God called it a “soothing aroma” followed by His promise to never flood the earth with water again. The Northern army in Joel 2 yielded a foul smell to the Lord when God destroyed it. Service and devotion unto God are soothing or sweet aromas to God. And, just think, when pleasant smells remind you of something―they remind God too. What’s your life and heart smell like to God?

Paul mentions this in 2 Cor 2:14-16, “But thanks be to God, who...through us spreads the aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To some we are an aroma of death leading to death, but to others, an aroma of life leading to life.” During victory parades, there was much incense. The people smelled victory; the enemies led through the streets in chains smelled it too, but knew it would end in their death. Our smell is the same. Those wanting the truth perceive our words and spirits as life. Those rejecting God remaining His enemies smell us as death (to their way of life, their sinful desires, etc.). What’s your aroma to others?

To some, Vinny just smells like an old car. Others smell memories of good times, freedom, and a simpler time. What does Scripture, prayer, obedience, the Church, etc. smell like to you? To God’s people these are life. To the enemies, they are at least somewhat of a stench.