But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. 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 Cor. 2:14-15 (NLT)
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 2 Cor. 4:7 (ESV)
Dear heavenly Father, these wonderful words tell the story of how I want to live up till the Day Jesus either returns, or the day you choose to bring me home. May the fragrance of Jesus and the aroma of grace being increasingly released through this fragile jar of clay that I am.
Keep me in the place of humility, brokenness, and dependence that more of the sweet perfume of the gospel may waft upward before you as an offering of praise and released through me, wherever you send me. Father, thank you for making me Christ’s captive and a prisoner of hope. Thank you for rescuing me from sin and death, from my guilt and shame, from the illusion of self-sufficiency and the lie of self-righteousness.
Father, free me to love well, wherever I am, and with whomever I’m with. As these Scriptures remind me, some will experience your grace as life giving, others will have the opposite response to the gospel. Help me love one and all alike, and not give up on anybody. I truly believe the gospel can change anyone, anytime, anywhere. May the only offensive thing about me be the gospel.
So continue to slay the “approval suck” in me—that part of me that is too easily impacted by what people think of me. Help me to love to your glory, serve with your joy, and hope with your promise. Thank you, Father, for the über privilege of being loved by you. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ wonderful and merciful name.
