I have NEVER been a big fan of perfume, I am the one reduced to weepy eyes, a stuffy nose, and bouts of sneezing if I’m exposed to strong scents in an enclosed area for any extended amount of time. Even an encounter with a flowery dryer sheet can send this gal into an allergy meltdown. But I suppose that there exists a bit of girlie in this country bumpkin, because I do love those natural oils, or an occasional lightly-scented candle. Nothing is more relaxing on a quiet evening than the sweet aroma wafting from a sugar-cookie candle, that is until the neighborhood skunk family arrives. Talk about ruining the moment! One skunk running amok outside our window emits a fragrance that fills our home with a stink that you can actually taste, regardless of how many candles are burning.
King Solomon had some interesting insights concerning odors while discussing an apothecary in the Book of Ecclesiastes. Apothecary, that’s a big word for a person who was basically a perfumer. In the Old Testament, the apothecary had the high honor of preparing the holy oils and aromatic ointments used by the priests as they ministered in God’s service. Apothecaries also prepared spices used for burials and medicinal herbs intended for various medical uses, a bit of a precursor to our modern-day pharmacist. Solomon paints a vivid, aromatic picture as he speaks of that luscious scent created by the hands of an apothecary. But without warning that sweet smell is ruined, corrupted by the stench of dead flies. What was once sweet-smelling is now sending “forth a stinking savor.” Solomon then takes that object lesson and creates the analogy of a man who is noted for his wisdom and honor, but then allows a little slice of folly to corrupt his reputation. A little folly, or foolishness, silliness, ruins this good man’s name.
After we are adopted into the family of God, we are called by the name Christian, or Christ bearer. Our testimony, our name, reflects our Father, much as our legal name reflects our earthly family. Let’s be wary that we don’t taint that reputation with dead flies, those foolish actions, besetting sins, ungodly actions, or careless words. The world is watching us, so take heed. We don’t want to stink up our walk with the Savior, or mar our testimony before a world that desperately needs to see our light shinning brightly. Let’s keep our name, the name of the One Who sacrificed Himself for us, sweet-smelling, for it “…is better than precious ointment.”
Ecclesiastes 10:1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.
Lord, keep me aware that I am carrying YOUR name; make me on guard against folly, foolishness, and sin, which will taint that precious name of my Savior,