A Fragrant Blend

“Take fragrant spices…and make a fragrant blend of incense” Exodus 30:34.

God gave Moses specific instructions regarding the building of His temporary sanctuary. One of the commands was to blend different spices which created an aroma of incense.  This fragrance would be both unique and pleasurable to God.  My commentary states, ‘The tabernacle incense was unique and not to be duplicated or used for any other purpose’ The Applied Old Testament Commentary, p. 266.

We have each been called to build a temporary sanctuary for God to come and dwell…our hearts.  We too must blend different spices so that our lives will be a pleasing fragrance to the Lord.  Our unique fragrance will be how we live our lives through our attitudes and actions.  We will exude a spiritual scent that will reflect the manner in how we treat others and the grace that we give others.  When we are walking in step with the Holy Spirit we will create our own special blend of spices.  ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;’ Gal 5:22.

Anything contradictory to these ‘spices’ weaken the beautiful aroma that our lives should give off to others.  We are the fragrance of Christ meant to leave a lasting scent on both believers and non-believers. ‘Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing’ 2 Co 2:15.

It is written that the wise men ‘…bowed down and worshipped Him.  Then they opened their treasures and presented him with…incense’ Matthew 2:11.  So I ask myself this morning several questions and I invite you to join me.  Am I giving God my most valuable treasure, that ‘thing’ that is most important to me?  Is my fragrance pleasing to God, resembling His Son?  What spices do I need to refine to make my aroma pleasing to others?

When we identify characteristics in ourselves that might offend others we can ask the Holy Spirit to help us transform our hearts and renew our minds.  Through our spiritual work we will develop our own unique blend creating a beautiful life that will be a pleasing scent to our Father.