A Different Perspective On "The Sweet Smell of Success" For The Faith-Based Business Owner/Employee

I read a couple of devotions this morning that encouraged believers to consider how we "smell" to those around us - do we give the rank odor of always needing to be right? Of contention? Of anger and bitterness? Or do we have the sweet aroma that comes from living the fruit of the Spirit??("But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness." ~Galatians 5:22 NIV). From a business perspective, do we operate with a servant heart??Are we fair in our business interactions??Do we use our skills and gifts in ways that honor God? ?If we have employees, co-workers, or business partners, how do we handle conflict or disagreement??I'm not talking about being wishy-washy or simply remaining silent. We can stand firmly for what we know to be true while still exhibiting the fruit Paul mentions in Galatians. ?

In some recent sermons, my church congregation has been reminded that while we don't CREATE peace and unity (God does), we are responsible for maintaining them. We have been encouraged to consider whether an issue is more important that Jesus (the answer is NO). We have been challenged to pursue truth and integrity, to accept differences and to seek to genuinely understand different perspectives, to speak hope and to be reconcilers.

We have been reminded that, as believers, we need to remember that our lives have been transformed by Jesus, and that our call to be light to the world must be of greater importance than our desire to be right. (Am I the only one who thinks that's a hard one??) We need to think about whether our response to differences is argumentative or understanding, indignant, or gracious. ?Do we operate from a 1 Corinthians 13 perspective, assuming the best, not holding grudges or rehearsing previous wrongs??

I believe that if we can be intentional about living a transformed life, keeping in tune with the Holy Spirit and seeking daily, hourly, even minute-by-minute, to be the light of Jesus in this world, we will be a sweet aroma to the Lord, and one that "smells" sweet like Jesus to a world that so desperately needs Him. ??As faith-based business owners and employees, we sometimes ?hear the phrase “the sweet smell of success,” but if we look at it from a Biblical perspective, it puts a whole new light on what that means.?Perhaps our success is MORE than financial, and is, in part, how we represent Jesus to our clients and our fellow business owners.?Are we a sweet aroma, pleasing to God and pointing others to Him, or a malodorous smell that turns others away???These thoughts have been convicting for me, and I pray that my life will be a fragrant offering that is pleasing to God and be a sweet fragrance to those around me!?I want to use my gifts, skills, and talents in ways that glorify God, are a benefit to His Kingdom, and benefit those we serve as well!??