But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. (II Corinthians 2:14 ESV)
Smelly
Our senses are not equal. Our sense of sight requires light to function. Our sense of touch is more relative than our other senses. Our sense of hearing is most apt to illusion. Our sense of taste is apparently more individualistic.
And our sense of smell, I recently read, has a longer memory, is more sensitive to slight changes, is more independent, and provides both stronger pleasure and stronger aversion.
It is the super-sense.
Maybe that is why Paul uses it as a metaphor to our duty and opportunity regarding presenting Christ daily. Our words, actions, motivations, and even facial expressions are bulletin boards for Christ… they are symphonies for Christ… they are feasts for Christ… but Paul says our ‘living for Jesus’ is like a fragrance.
It will be remembered. It is noticeable instantly. It is unique to our situations. And it, the gospel, both spoken and lived, will change the world.
We are peculiar, we get to smell.