By junior high, I was already nicknamed “Wolfie” because I had a full-grown beard. One day, after I helped my granddaddy on his farm, he handed me a small gift bag. I opened it eagerly to discover a shiny new razor, a tall can of shaving cream, and a beautiful green bottle of HAI Karate aftershave.
Excited, I rushed home, bathed, laid the gifted items out along the sink, and prepared to make my grand entrance into manhood. I lathered up, covered my face, and firmly grasped the razor as I began to eradicate the source of my nickname. No more “Wolfie” for me.
With the first shaving step complete, I reached for the aftershave lotion. No one had told me how much to use, so I figured the more, the better. When I left the bathroom, I was dripping with what I thought was the magnificent, manly aroma of HAI Karate aftershave. Boy, was I wrong.
That afternoon, when I walked into the fellowship hall of our local church to attend my Boy Scout meeting, you could have heard a pin drop. Everyone immediately stopped talking. Kids sniffed the air and even pinched their noses as they inquired, “What’s that smell?” Eyes turned my way.
Nope. More wasn’t better. I was stinking up the place! When I walked into that room, I brought in a fragrance that negatively impacted those around me.
It’s one thing to do that with aftershave lotion, but have you ever considered how your attitude and words impact others? In 2 Corinthians 2:15, we learn that Christians are to carry “the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing” (NIV). What scent are you carrying?
Consider your answers to these questions: When you walk into a room, are people drawn to you, or does the overflow of your life make them want to run the other way? Does your attitude bring a pleasant aroma of thankfulness, kindness, and encouragement, or the stench of complaints, criticism, judgment, and rudeness?
Do you light up the place with joy, peace, and love, or do you bring with you a dark cloud of self-centered arrogance and a prideful ego?
Each of us influences others for good or bad, whether we intend to or not. Interestingly, we can look good on the outside, be cleanly shaven and freshly showered, and still negatively influence others.
The Bible instructs us to be careful concerning how we live (Ephesians 5:15–17). According to Philippians 2:14–15, we are to shine like bright stars in a dark world. We do this by not complaining and arguing. Through our love, kindness, encouraging words, and generosity, we are to build each other up (Ephesians 4:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 16–18). We pollute a room when we are critical and judgmental (Romans 14:13), speak harshly to people, or boast pridefully (Proverbs 8:13).
The kids who were hit by the overabundance of the HAI Karate aftershave I had so generously applied recovered quickly that day. It’s far more difficult to overcome the hurts and pains that we inflict upon others through our stinking attitude or unforgiving spirit.
It’s not too late to change the smell your life carries. Ask the Lord and trusted friends to help you identify the source of your stench, to hold you accountable, and to help you make changes.
Let the overflow of your life be a pleasing aroma for all!
MICHAEL DIXON surrendered to God 35 years ago after childhood trauma and addiction nearly destroyed him. Changed by God, Michael became a pastor, author, licensed addiction specialist, and director of his nonprofit, L.I.F.E. (Living in Freedom Everyday) Ministries. His bilingual curriculum, L.I.F.E. Ministries, helps others find wholeness and freedom in Christ Jesus and can be purchased on Amazon. Videos can be viewed by the incarcerated on EDOVO and through VL’s platform on Pando.
