08-Aug-2024 – Sweet Smelling Savour
Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. – Ephesians 5:10
In the fifth chapter of Ephesians, we find two categories that define what is acceptable to the Lord, or the will of God in our lives. The first category is avoiding any association with the prohibited behaviors listed in this chapter. The second is the will of God that is not immediately obvious or clearly visible, which we must earnestly seek throughout our journey.
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour. – Ephesians 5:2
The aroma of a perfume is pleasing and beautiful. When someone applies perfume, their body exudes that same sweet fragrance. Similarly, Jesus Christ, in His love for us, offered Himself as a sacrifice to God, producing a sweet-smelling savor before Him. When we place our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and follow His teachings, our lives emit the same sweet-smelling aroma in God’s sight. The key ingredient of this sweet-smelling savor is “love.”
But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. – Ephesians 5:3-5
This passage outlines behaviors that we need to eliminate from our lives. These are the clearly visible and universal things that we must practice daily. This represents the universal will of God.
Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord… be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. – Ephesians 5:10, 17
These verses hint at the will of God that is not immediately visible. When we consider the lives of Abraham and Jacob, we see that it took many years for them to fully understand God’s will. However, they knew what they should and should not do because God guided them as needed.
In the same way, even though we are called to be saints, holy and without blemish, there is a specific calling for each of us. In the house of the Lord and the kingdom of God, there is a special place and duty for each one of us. We must discover this.
How can we find it? Through prayer and fellowship with the Word of God and the Spirit of God. Prayer is our communication with God. Our God is living, loving, observing, and responsive. When we pray, He listens and responds.
So, let us ask God in prayer for two things today. First, let us ask Him to enable and teach us to stay away from the things of darkness. Second, let us ask Him to reveal the purpose of our calling and life on this earth.
By doing so, we will make our lives a sweet-smelling savor in the presence of God.
Prayer
Dear loving Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and grace. Thank You for teaching us about the two areas we need to focus on to live according to Your will. Help us to have the knowledge readily accessible in every situation so that we do not partake in darkness. Also, help us to identify Your will for our lives so that we may live purpose-driven lives, bringing glory to Your name on this earth. I pray in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.
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