Aromatic Attraction

Amongst the crowd there lingered and array of fragrances - the sweet scent of chocolate; wonderful wafts of gently brewing coffee; the slightly sour smell of cheeses and the delightfully fresh fragrance of strawberries. What a pleasant experience - to be able to wander along the street, smelling and tasting the delights that were on offer! The Aromas Festival at Maitland was a huge success. It attracted tens of thousands of people to the normally quiet weekend street. And I was delighted with my purchases of jams, olives, chocolates and soap! Our sense of smell is a wonderful thing. We are attracted or repelled by the various fragrances that surround us on a daily basis.

Of course, it is not just our sense of smell that allures us. All of our senses can be stirred in this way - a fact that is blatantly obvious in the advertising industry. But what about people themselves -what is it about an individual that attracts or repels us? Are there specific human characteristics that are universally appealing?

When my friends and family display kindness, compassion, courage, humility, generosity, forgiveness and joy, I am deeply encouraged and my desire to be with them is strengthened. They have an 'attractive aroma' to me. The Bible also speaks of aromas in relation to the followers of Christ - "For we are the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." (2 Corinthians 2:15)

As I grow older, my desire is that the 'aroma of Christ' may indeed attract others, not to me, but to Christ, as I am changed by His spirit to become like Him who is perfectly kind, compassionate, courageous, humble, generous, forgiving and full of joy!