“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?” 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 (ESV)
For as long as I can remember, I have watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on television with my dad. As a child, he would always make sure I was up when it came on. Now as an adult, I text him to let him know I’m watching and to make sure he’s watching too. And this year I experienced a “proud mama” moment when my 7-year-old daughter said to me with excitement in her voice, “we get to watch the parade next week!”
I enjoy every part of the parade – the Broadway shows, the celebrities, the floats and the giant balloons. As an adult, watching the parade brings back so many memories of my childhood that I can’t help but get a little teary eyed. It’s embarrassing to admit, but by the time the last float is in sight and the announcers says, “Here comes Santa, ushering in the official start to the Christmas season,” I’m boohooing and trying to pull myself together.
As a follower of Christ, I am reminded of another parade, a triumphal procession that He is leading. My love for parades has made these verses particularly special and visual to me. Since seven years ago when I accepted Christ as my Savior and Lord of my life, I have had the pleasure of getting to walk in this beautiful procession. God has allowed me to use the talents and time that He has given me to serve the local church and other Christ-centered ministries. As a Sweet Monday hostess, He has given me the opportunity to serve my neighbors with hospitality. Through all of these things I have had the sweet pleasure of witnessing lives changed by spreading the aroma of Christ.
I am thankful and grateful that He has given me these opportunities. However, when I get to the end of verse 16, I am tempted to raise my hand and shout, “not me,” when He asks, “And who is adequate for such a task as this?” I don’t know about you, but often I am overwhelmed by what God calls me to do, and I know if I were asked to do these tasks in my own strength, I would fail miserably. Then I am reminded, I am not alone, but it is God who is leading me and through His Holy Spirit He equips me for the task at hand. That question is a reminder to me that only God is adequate so I should pause and ask Him for His strength because He who calls me is faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:24). Now THAT is something to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!