Stench or Perfume?

Is our life a stench or a sweet perfume? If we call ourself a Christian or Christ-like, then we must do some self examination before we can examine others. I also like to ask, are we perfume or cologne? Cologne is wonderful but it fades quickly, whereas perfume is bolder and lasts longer. But both have a pleasing aroma! Stench on the other hand is offensive and foul smelling.

The Apostle Paul says the Lord will lead us to victory and cause a fragrance of the knowledge of Christ through us in every place! That to me is a Wow!


Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? (2 Corinthians 2:14-16)


The closer our relationship to Christ, the stronger the delightful smell of eternal life becomes, not only to those in Christ and their lives being transformed, but also to those who do not have eternal life. I ask myself and other believers, are we perfume or cologne? Other Christians and non Christians need to see us as perfume. To the saved it is eternal life to them.


When we believers come into a situation, we bring the smell of life or death! Why? Because Jesus is life and those who want life must choose to believe in Him. Some choose not to receive what He offers and death is a very strong stench. I say to all of us, carry the strong aroma of eternal life! I say to those not living for Jesus, choose life today and not death. Follow the aroma of LIFE….JESUS!

Recent Dear Judy Posts

women in alignment with each other
By Dr. Judy Baus August 28, 2026
What does it mean to align my will with God’s will?
A woman searching using binoculars
By Dr. Judy Baus August 4, 2026
What does it mean to be saved? Saved from what?
church building
By Dr. Judy Baus July 6, 2026
Is going to church really necessary? Why?
question marks on paper
By Dr. Judy Baus June 4, 2026
What does it mean to “hide” in Christ?
Show More

Recent Food For Thought Articles

yes or no
By Dr. Judy Baus August 28, 2026
We are living in a time when we MUST get our mindset on spiritual things and not things of the flesh or our emotions. Very important! We also need to get rid of offenses, hate, and unforgiveness! If we have our mind set on the spiritual, we will live with the understanding that
Two people jumping for joy
By Dr. Judy Baus August 4, 2026
Rejoice means to brighten up, joy, cheer up! Many of us may rejoice when things are going well, but to rejoice when we see the darkness all around us?
man praying
By Dr. Judy Baus July 6, 2026
We are living in very serious times! It is important that we take an account of our heart. Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to search our heart and expose any hidden place of unforgiveness or offense. If we hang onto those and do not repent, we are the only one chained and we leave a door cracked
people cheering
By Dr. Judy Baus June 4, 2026
These times in which we live, we must be very careful and watchful because they are perilous times. The Apostle Paul teaches us this with amazing clarity in 2 Timothy 3:1-5: But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud
Show More