Read – 2 Corinthians 2:14-17
The introduction of Sunday’s sermon started out with a bang. “Every moment of our lives is a big moment.” It certainly caught my attention. I watched some of the congregation go from poor posture to backs straight and heads up. That is more than a statement. It’s more than a philosophy. It’s a mindset. It’s an approach to life. It made me think, “Do I really believe every moment of my life is a big moment?”
Big moments mean big things. Big moments lead to success or failure. Big moments result in joy or sorrow. Big moments can cause contentment or discontentment. Big moments can lead to love or a lack thereof. Big moments bring big choices, and big choices lead to big consequences. Do you feel the pressure yet?
If you’re like me, then you feel the pressure and heat of big moments. I hear, “Every moment of my life is a big moment” and I tense up. I’m hard on myself, and I have high expectations for the output of my life. I’m a Christ follower, husband, father, son, brother, ministry leader, boss, etc. I’m faced with big moments every day of my life. Every day throws challenges and curve balls. The decisions I make ultimately affect one of my roles and responsibilities. Therefore, there is truth in, “Every moment of my life is a big moment.”
In 2 Corinthians 2:14-17, the apostle Paul reminds us that every moment of our lives is a big moment, yet he also reminds us of a significant promise. Yes, he gives a clear illustration of what our lives should look like but he also gives a clear illustration of something bigger. He opens up with, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.” What does this mean?
Let’s start with ‘triumphal procession.’ According to Zondervan’s NIV Study Bible, “A victorious Roman general would lead his soldiers and their captives in a festive procession, while the people watched and applauded and the air was filled with the sweet smell released by the burning spices in the streets.”
He is reminding us that in every big moment, we are led by God in a triumphal procession because of what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. In other words, the victory has already been won. Yes, every moment of our lives is a big moment, but the pressure is off. The victory has already been won because of what Jesus Christ did. You can attack manhood with clarity. You can attack your roles and responsibilities with freedom. Jesus is triumphant, and YOU are triumphant through Him.
No matter what life is throwing at you, remember that Jesus has won. Regardless of your situation, you have the privilege of marching behind God in a triumphant procession. Is it not much easier to engage in battle when you see the victory coming?
In this day, the people knew victory was evident not just because of the processional march but also because of the fragrance in the air. This brings me to my next point – are you allowing Christ’s victory in you to cause a fragrance that seeps into the lives of everyone around you? They may not be involved in your day-to-day life but is your aroma undeniable? Distinct fragrances and aromas cause a reaction. How are people reacting to you? Do they smell the victory in your life?
Every moment of your life is a big moment because of what Christ did for you. How sweet is the smell of victory?
“For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” Corinthians 2:15
Garret Barbush, Executive Director
Follow @garretbarbush