May 2, 2011 Devotional

Influencing our Environments

While walking through the mall the other day, I was approached by several employees from my favorite department store. Coming out from behind their fragrance counter, they asked me if I wanted to try out their newest perfume. As soon as I agreed, they quickly began to spray me, and it seemed as though a cloud was forming around me. (Okay so maybe there wasn't a cloud, but it did start to get a little overwhelming.)  There's no doubt the 'cloud' that surrounded me was something people could easily notice, and it caused me to immediately regret my decision.

 In life, we get to choose what 'fragrance' is on our hearts.  We can either be marked by a Christ-like fragrance that blesses the lives of those we love or one that is unpleasant.  We all know that as moms, wives, and leaders, this choice affects the environment of those around us as well. As women, we have so much influence, and our enemy has known this for some time.  Just look at Eve!  Our ability to set environments is a gift that we can use to intentionally bring forth beauty.  We have been given powerful influence in our homes, workplaces and churches.   

 Like most of us, I'm still growing in this area. There have been times when I have allowed the wrong fragrance to 'get on me'.  I have taken a 'cloud' of offense, negativity, and frustration, home with me and have watched it influence my home. Everyone was perfectly fine before I showed up!  This is why the old saying is so true, "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!" 2 Corinthians 2:15 says, "Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God."   So today, let that be our prayer. Let's allow the fragrance of the Lord to be upon us and to bring forth the beauty in the lives of those we love!

Kara Joines 

Faith Family Church
Victoria, TX
www.faithfamilyvictoria.com