Daily Devotional

I am especially challenged by the meaning of the words of the Old Testament Prophet, Jeremiah, as he implored the people in his day: "Let us examine and probe our ways . . . ." (Lamentations 3:40). Notice that word “probe.” It’s the Hebrew word chaqar which means to examine, search out, investigate, and to ponder. It even means to taste. I like that.

That’s exactly what we need to do. We need to taste our lives and to be honest enough with ourselves to admit, “My life doesn’t taste that good anymore.” And since 90% of taste involves smell, it’s also time to admit: “My life doesn’t smell that good, either.” However, I am immediately drawn to the promise of 2 Corinthians 2:4: "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place."        

My brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ came not only to give us victory but to make our lives a sweet aroma in the nostrils of our Holy God. He also makes it possible for us to smell good enough for the whole world to notice the godly fragrance of Jesus wafting from us. So, I suppose it would be appropriate for every believer to ask a fellow disciple, “So how do you think I smell today?”