I always have to stop and smell the flowers. Sometimes I’m overwhelmed by the wonderful scents that emerge, just like the aroma of a fine wine rising from a glass. At other times, the scent is less appealing and even undetectable. The same can be said about scents given off when a woman wearing perfume or a man wearing cologne passes by.
Personality Projects a Fragrance
Investment guru Charles Schwab once said personality is to a man what perfume is to a flower. I’m sure he would also apply this to women. And if you think about people you’ve met over the years, my guess is you would agree. A person’s personality does project a social and emotional fragrance for good or bad.
Actions give off an aroma of Christ to God, others.
The word “personality” comes from the Latin word “persona.” It refers to a mask worn by performers who wanted to project a certain role, disguising their identity. Our personality is how we might describe ourselves and how others see us. It is the collection of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that make us unique.
We Assess Personalities
We often look at other people and assess their personalities. Consciously or unconsciously, we see a recognizable order to their behavior. Their personality influences how they move and respond to their environment, as well as causing us to respond in certain ways.
Actions do speak louder than words. Take for example, body language. Researchers have determined that much of the communication that takes place between individuals is through body language.
Paul Wrote of a Loving Aroma
The apostle Paul knew the importance of how people can be influenced by the way we act, and how our inner selves emerge through our personality. This is why he stressed several times in his letters the importance of how actions displaying love can be a testimony to others, an aroma of what it means to be a follower of Christ, and a living sacrifice to the Father.
In conclusion, as Christians, we are both the medium of God’s love and compassion, and his message to others, by the way we act and the “fragrance” we emit.
Additional reading:
Listen to God's Words
For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. (2 Corinthians 2:15)
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1-2)
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
Also Read: Genesis 8:21, Psalm 139:14, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
In the Words of Others
“I hold that a strongly marked personality can influence descendants for generations.” Beatrix Potter
“When you are joyful, when you say yes to life and have fun and project positivity all around you, you become a sun in the center of every constellation, and people want to be near you.” Shannon L. Adler
“If you would convince a man that he does wrong, do right. But do not care to convince him. Men will believe what they see. Let them see.” Henry David Thoreau
Think About It
Have there been times your personality has given off a less favorable scent as a Christian? What could you have changed?
Think of a person who gives off a positive aroma of the love of God? Describe how he or she is a living message from God.
Think of a person who claims to be a Christian but delivers mixed messages by his or her actions. Why do you think so?
