
3 minute read
Heaven’s Scent
from September 2021
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Heaven’s Scent
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by Laura Perdue
“For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 2:15).
Over the past year, I have been on a weight loss journey to become healthier. Losing fifty pounds was the first goal I set for myself, although I was not sure if it was obtainable. Before beginning the health journey, I would eat anything. I am not just talking about small amounts, I am talking about divulging until it would make me sick—bread, pasta, Coke, sweet tea, cake, cookies, etc. One of my worst temptations was a Whopper from Burger King. I craved 100% flame-grilled beef, tomatoes, lettuce, mayo, pickle, ketchup, onions on a sesame bun with a good ole slice of American cheese on top. Does it sound mouthwatering yet? I thought so. Well save yourself from going until you finish reading this, as I am going somewhere, I promise. I am speaking to your stomach, but not your physical stomach. I am speaking to the spiritual one.
Recently, I was running to the post office for my husband Brian. So, I go get the mail and head back home. While approaching a red light, I start to get a huge whiff of a scent that I recognize. It was a strong scent and boy was my tummy starting to growl. I get to the red light and come to a stop. I look up and at the corner of the red light was…you guessed it— Burger King. Immediately, I had to tell the enemy to back up and take a seat because I was not about to give into that temptation, no matter how much I wanted to at that moment. Thankfully, the line was long and I kept going. It was tempting but I pushed and resisted.
When I got home, I began to think about that little road trip scent and its relation to the Spirit. The definition of a scent is a distinctive small, especially one that is pleasant. Let us talk about some scents other than food. Have you ever been to an old church and walked in only to be greeted with a scent of something musty? How about a locker room? It smells sweaty and damp—not a smell I want to smell every day. How about a flower shop? The mixture of all the flowers can overtake you—they smell so good, so fresh! How about a church where the Holy Spirit has just saturated the atmosphere? The scent is intoxicating. It is a sweet aroma—one that I cannot explain except to say it draws you in until you want to do nothing but sit in His presence. There is peace, calmness, fulfillment. A scent that draws. I believe this is the scent of Heaven. When was the last time you caught a whiff of that scent? Referencing back to 2 Corinthians 2:15, I want to encourage you to find yourself caught up in the scent of Heaven no matter where you are so that you can effectively be a fragrance of Christ to those around you. Yes, those that are saved, but also those who are perishing. The end of time is drawing near; division, hate, etc. are all around us and people are looking for answers. They are looking for hope. Be the one who points them to Him, be Heaven’s scent.
About The Author My name is Laura Perdue and I am married to my best friend, Brian Perdue. God has truly blessed us both and I could not imagine life without my prince, My promise. Brian and I reside in Marietta Georgia and serve on the ministry team of Fivestones Church in Canton, Ga.