This week we cooked up some fish for dinner. As usual a "fishy" smell was left lingering in the house. Imagine that. It was later I realized the smell seemed to be getting worse and wondered why? I asked, what stinks? Turned out it was the packaging the fish had come in. It had been put in the garbage container under the sink and was emitting a now unpleasant odor.I couldn't help but think of how sometimes we are like that as people.
In our current series: "Rediscovering Church" we have been talking about what it means for the church to be the "Body of Christ" here in the Comox Valley. The Bible says that we are to be the "aroma of Christ" and that through us the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ would be spread everywhere. (2 Corinthians 2:14-17)
Unfortunately, sometimes in our humanness, there is a fishy smell that still wafts from Christ's church. Not everyone likes what they smell. Interesting that Jesus called his disciples to be "fishers of men"
As men and women, caught in the net of God's love and grace and now members of Christ's body we need to allow God to continue to change us and transform us.
Sometimes instead of getting rid of the "fishy things" in our lives we put them under the counter and before long we are anything but the aroma of Christ.
I have been challenged by the words of the Apostle Paul in his instruction to the Ephesian church. As we read these words, let's think about the fragrance of our lives. Ask ourselves; what is under the counter in my life that I need to get rid of.
Take an extra minute to read the following Bible scripture. Let it speak to us.
Ephesians 4:25-32 "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Does anyone have any fish stories they want to share with our church family?
1. What 'fishy' things has God been helping you get rid of from your life?
2. In what ways can we / the church better be the "aroma of Christ" here in the Comox Valley.
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At times fishy, but still loved. (Goes for all of us.)
Pastor Dave
