MERIDIAN MINUTE no. 3

MERIDIAN MINUTE  no. 3

Coastline, Fort Bragg, California.

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ 

            and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.

For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those

            who are perishing.

To the one we are the smell of death; to the other; the fragrance of life.

            And who is equal to such a task?

Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit.

            On the contrary, in Christ, we speak from God with sincerity, like men sent 

            from God.”

                                                                                    -2 Corinthians 4:10

THE ANALOGY is often made that those who follow Christ are pilgrims in this life: Strangers. Visitors. Temporary residents. Their destiny? A future home in Heaven. It is the place that will be called home for those who are believers in Christ and have participated in His salvation, the redeeming of their souls. No longer earth-bound, their souls have life in the heavenly realm. With this in mind, it is not strange that the world does not understand. Their new mind-set, of these believing pilgrims, is contrary to the values of things earthly, a form of contradiction that can not be settled in this life. 

Not to worry. The fragrance of this life is sweet. Its aroma is heady, fulfilling, invigorating, gentle, delicate, strong, pungent at times. The scent drifts in the dark places of the earth, it wafts through conflicted places where hope is dim, it lifts to the mountains, it descends to the valleys, it hovers over the waterways and depths. For God is here and there, in people who love Him, we speak with sincerity like men sent from God. An awareness and delight that is enhanced through the wonders of flora and fauna, His presence amongst us magnified by all the beauties of nature and moments in time.