“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.”
2 Corinthians 2:14-17 NIV

Any reinforcement of the idea that I am following, rather than leading, is always a good and much needed reminder. Each day of my life spent walking in Christ’s procession as a captive of grace, each step further evidence of God’s goodness, is deeper testimony of His love. And if, in doing so, my life is that aroma that pleases Him, I am content to walk and follow in that parade until the day my salvation is made complete. Saved already from death, every day in His service is a triumph.

And as Paul says, this life in Christ isn’t something we do for a profit, as if there were some way we could twist things around to being solely for our benefit, taking advantage of Christ’s love and generosity. Instead, we serve from the depth of the love in our hearts, thankful and in awe for what has been done for us. Constantly reminded that it’s not about us, but about Him instead, we take each step gladly singing the song of the captive who is free.

God found my miserable mess, redeemed me and made me whole. He stood me up, started my heart up again and breathed new life into me. He has saved me from the pit of my own sin and death and brought me as a prize into the treasury of His heart. No credit goes to me, it is all for Him. All glory and honor and praise to God for what He does. None to me, no fame for me, no praise for me, because He has done all the work. I am simply one redeemed by The Lord of Creation, Master of the living truth. By the goodness of the Gospel, I have hope in Him. Because of the love that outweighs the stars and all the planets, I have a new, redeemed life, fraught with purpose and meaning and joy and wonder and love.

I gladly walk in that procession, gladly bound to Him, relieved in Him I sing and share the news of His love. I am compelled to GoLove in His Name. It is my life’s joy.