The Scent of Sin

The Bible speaks clearly about the scent of sin in our lives. “As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor (Ecclesiastes 10:1 NIV).”

The Scent of Sin on Our Little Stinker

One of our five-year-old relatives was helping his grandfather work in the barn and cattle lot. While Papa completed his chores, Kaleb played in the dust and muck where cattle roam. He prowled. He sat. He dug. He threw dirt into the air. He immersed himself in the filth and fun of living on a farm.

Later, Kaleb’s great-grandma, who lives across the road from the barn, invited him to visit. Papa said he could go but warned her that Kaleb might need to clean up a bit first. She failed to heed his warning. After all, what’s the harm in a little dirt and stink on a little boy? She had no intention of interrupting the fun she planned for their short time together.

The Scent of Sin Shared

Following an hour or two of playing, hugging, and snacking in the house, Kaleb returned to Papa, and Great-Grandma lay down for a nap. As soon as her eyes closed, her nose began to twitch. What is that smell? she wondered. Looking around and sniffing again, she realized her little sticker had left some of his barnyard aroma behind.

Great-Grandma did not prowl in the barnyard. She did not sit or dig in it. She did not throw dirt in the air or play in the dust and muck. Yet their odor clung to her. By brushing against Kaleb’s dirt and acquiring a bit of his residue, his smell became hers.

Avoiding the Scent of Sin

How tempting to do the same with sin. Though we may not immerse ourselves in evil, it is tempting to brush up against it occasionally. After all, many friends see no harm in those activities. Why not try just a little if no one notices and no harm is done? Although not plunging into the sin, its lure leaves us teetering on the edge. Yet, any moral lapse, regardless how small it appears in the eyes of the world, leaves us with sin’s foul odor.

For years, I have taught children and youth to be careful where they go and what they do. I also need to heed that same warning. When I find myself getting too cozy with sin, I am grateful my Heavenly Father stands ready to cleanse me completely from the filth and smell of its residue. He also offers daily guidance away from all that prevents my accomplishing His pure and perfect will. By consistently clinging to God, I avoid every hint — every scent — of sin. And I turn away from all that would prevent me from accomplishing His pure and perfect will.

A Sweet-Smelling Offering

May my life always be a sweet-smelling offering to God.

“Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness (Romans 6:13 NIV).”

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