The Fragrance of the Knowledge of GodSample

Day 7: Becoming a Living Fragrance

“Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." – Romans 12:1 (NASB)

The ultimate goal of the fragrance of knowledge is not to impress others, but to become a living fragrance that honors God and serves our neighbors. Like incense rising before the Throne, our transformed understanding should ascend as worship and bless everyone in our presence.

This means living in such a way that knowledge and character are perfectly blended. The fragrance of what we know must be inseparable from the fragrance of who we are becoming. When people encounter us, they should experience the fragrance of the knowledge of God through our kindness, our peace, our joy, our patience, and our love.

At the heart of it all is sacrifice.

From the beginning to the end of His earthly life, Jesus was marked by a costly gift of fragrance: myrrh. Presented at His birth and again at His burial, myrrh symbolized the very purpose of His life: to be poured out in sacrifice. Its aroma is powerful, distinct, and unforgettable, carrying both the weight of the cross and the promise of the resurrection. It is the fragrance of life that comes through death.

The more freely we release our wisdom in sacrifice, the more we truly possess it. Unlike material goods that diminish when shared, the knowledge of God multiplies when given away. We see this in other ways as well: the teacher who invests in her students finds her understanding deepened; the mentor who gives of himself discovers new insights; the friend who offers comfort finds her own heart strengthened. And so it goes.

We have seen over these last seven days together that every season of learning contributes to the distinctive aroma of who you are becoming. Bitter lessons teach empathy. Sweet victories bring hope. The complex blends of joy and sorrow create depth that resonates with others walking similar paths.

Your knowledge of God was never meant to be stored away like expensive perfume reserved for special occasions. It was designed to be released every day, through conversations, silent presence, and the holy simplicity of how you navigate life’s complexities.

We are all participants in a heavenly procession on earth. All who are sealed with the seal of God must exhale the fragrance of the knowledge of the Lord. We are captives of His love, purchased by precious Blood. The reason we are still here is to perfume the earth with the good news of what Jesus accomplished on the Cross, the aroma of His sacrifice. We are the prized possessions that Jesus snatched from the claws of the devil.

Every step in this procession, every piece of knowledge gained, every experience processed, becomes part of this greater fragrance that transcends our individual understanding. In Christ’s triumphal procession, we are not the source of knowledge nor the orchestrators of its impact, but jars and vessels made available through which the wisdom of God flows, each one contributing a unique note to the symphony of the revelation of Jesus Crucified in the world.

My Prayer:

Beloved Father, make me a living fragrance, a person whose knowledge has been so transformed by Your love that it naturally draws others to You. Help me to break open my alabaster jar of understanding freely and generously, trusting that You will multiply whatever I surrender. May my life be incense rising before Your throne and blessing flowing down to everyone I meet. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. How can you intentionally cultivate and release the fragrance of your knowledge in your daily relationships and responsibilities?
2. What steps can you take to ensure that your understanding continues to grow into something that truly honors God and serves others?

(If this devotional blessed you today, share it and let God’s Truth reach others.)

With love and fear of the Lord, until the King returns,

- Sara Lingel

#becauseJesusIsWorthy