Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2
We wear cologne and perfume to exude a pleasant smell, and to attract attention from others. Why not live a holy, godly life that exudes a sweet smell? If we apply cosmetics to enhance our physical appearance, why not enhance our spiritual prowess by our words and deeds?
How do you know when someone is the son or daughter of another person? Sometimes, it’s their physical appearance (though that can be misleading) but mostly, it’s their conduct and habits. Your upbringing and birthplace influence your identity by instilling your beliefs, habits, mindset, and values.
Jesus lived a perfect life. We should be holy and “perfect” as He. Holy, meaning set apart for His special use and removed from sin and its influence. Perfect, meaning to become like Christ. We will never be perfect, but when we live by His Word, following His ways, we conduct ourselves as He.
For I am the Lord your God. You must consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.
Leviticus 11;44
Our lifestyle should reflect His character–love, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, etc. When people see us in public, they should know we identify with Christ by our words and conduct. Our spiritual walk with God should be equal to a candle’s scent: you identify the candle by its scent. Likewise, we “smell” like His character when we adopt his ways, thoughts, and outlook. Coupled with imparting a scent to our bodies, cologne and perfume determines how others perceive us. A person who smells of honey, vanilla, or apple cinnamon will receive a favorable reception than one who smells of garlic, alcohol, or sweat. The physical things we put on our bodies (e.g. jewelry, clothes, tattoos) will elicit a positive or negative reaction from others.
And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
Colossian 3:17
Our faith in God dictates our words and deeds by knowing what honors and pleases Him- how we treat ourselves and others must reflect God’s character the same way cologne and perfume must reflect the desired scent. Also, our speech and deeds tell others who we are by expressing our attitudes, thoughts, and opinions with words, and behaving according to them.
How we present ourselves reveal our personality and character.
When telling others about the gospel, we should mitigate our speech with kindness and gentleness without judgement, as Paul instructs:
Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
Colossians 4:6
https://www.gotquestions.org/let-your-words-be-seasoned-with-salt.html
Our ministry becomes effective when we treat others with respect and courtesy.
Likewise, our deeds strengthen our ministry when they match our convictions about God.
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Matthew 5:16
Overall, our words and conduct must not only reflect God’s character but encourage others to repent of their sins and follow Christ.
Life with Adrian 