Fragrance. It is one of those tricky ingredients in products we use. It's one of the only ingredients that is not required to be fully disclosed on the product label, which means there is a "fragrance loophole" in many products that allows companies to use the term "fragrance" rather than being honest and transparent by telling the consumer what's really in the product. We may be thinking we are getting a pure fragrance, when in reality it is a synthetic fragrance filled with toxins!

This reminded me of us. As Christians we are to be imitators of Christ, which means that just as he offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God, we are to be a pleasing aroma to God as well with our lives. Romans 12:1 says, "And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice – the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him." What we allow to fill our hearts and minds will determine the fragrance we radiate.

The Bible also says, "For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing."² What fragrance are others smelling in us? Does our fragrance smell like Christ? As we go about our daily life, I encourage you to look at your life and smell your fragrance. The last thing we want is to be a "synthetic fragrance". Let us ask God to show us any "toxins" that may be lurking in us and may we be willing to allow God to get rid of them and help us refocus on Him.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for giving us such clear instructions when it comes to following and worshipping you. I pray that you would bring to light any toxins in my life that need to be disposed of. I ask that you fill me with your Holy Spirit and that everything I do and say bring glory to you. I want my life to be a pleasing fragrance to you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus' name, amen.

1. Ephesians 5:1-2 (NLT).

2. 2 Corinthians 2:15 (NIV).