One of the most beautiful flowering trees in Southwest Florida is the Royal Poinciana tree. When in full bloom the tree displays a canopy of red orange blossoms that is truly a delightful image. Recently I was walking by one of these trees and picked a blossom and tried to smell its aroma, but couldn’t detect any fragrance. However when I walked under the canopy of the Poinciana tree the faint smell of all those blossoms combined for a unique aroma that filled the air. It was such a stimulating place that I stayed for a while.
I think I stumbled into a spiritual lesson that day. One blossom may not have much impact, but when surrounded by a whole tree of flowers, what a delight. I like to think of a thriving church of love-filled believers who are living out their faith as similar to that Royal Poinciana tree. God’s Word tells us in 2 Cor. 2:14-15: “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing”. As God’s people work together and worship together in harmony they discover that there is a delightful beauty and a pleasant aroma that begins to surround them. That fragrance is the presence of Jesus Christ. His presence is so wonderful that it can’t help but attract other believers and even unbelievers.
What kind of aroma is our church creating for those who walk by? Can the beauty of Jesus be seen in the lives of the people in our assembly? When sin, bitterness, pride, and selfish ambition prevail in a church it is like a tree whose flowers begin to fade and fall. However when the gospel is preached and love, holiness, and grace are displayed the whole place lights up. Is your church a place where the beauty and the fragrance of Christ is overwhelming? If it is such a place, you may just have more people who want to come under your canopy and stay awhile.