Real Sincere

Scripture Passage that caught my attention today: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing him. 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; 16 to the one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not peddlers of God’s word like so many; but in Christ we speak as persons of sincerity, as persons sent from God and standing in his presence.

Observation: Sincerity is huge for anyone who claims to be a follower of Christ.

Application: Those of us with some basic training in interpersonal relationships/counseling are taught to try to do what is not always easy—maintain a non-anxious presence, own our own feelings, and to respond in proportion to the situation rather than to over or under-react, to name a few. These are not ‘techniques’ to manipulate but, quite to the contrary, healthy ways of interaction and, in fact, a demonstration of respect for all concerned—including ourselves.

Such healthy ways of interaction are always easier when the rub concerns others and are significantly more difficult whenever we find ourselves personally and/or professionally involved. But then again, when we do feel find ourselves in the thick of something, it’s a marvelous opportunity to, as they say, ‘practice what we preach.’ It goes without saying that that’s easier said than done.

In such times I am reminded of how absolutely crucial it is to regularly and personally be a student (as opposed to a teacher) of the Scriptures, not as searcher for all things that help ‘justify’ our position, but rather as someone who seeks to be reminded of what living our faith is all about.

In Corinthians today we are reminded that God leads the way through Christ--a “triumphal procession” according to Paul whereby what God has done for us pervades the atmosphere as a sort of “aroma” that can be of benefit to those who are being saved and those who are perishing alike. This fragrance spreads best when we speak/act as “persons of sincerity.” And sincerity starts at home by acknowledging our own fears and ills and prejudices and presumptions and propensity to want to respond in kind or point out wrong or whatever else might indeed make a point but in the process harm a relationship.

It’s easy to boldly proclaim that we are “sent from God.” But sincerity comes to the fore when we realize that we are also, according to Paul, “standing in his presence.” Yikes…we’d better be real!

Prayer: Lord, thanks for allowing us to stand in your presence. Help us take on and share the fragrance of you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Readings today included: Job 41-42 and 2 Corinthians 1-2)