How can we avoid "becoming a stench" to those around us today? Setting the Scene Genesis 34 tells the story of Jacob’s sons Simeon and Levi avenging their sister Dinah by slaughtering the men of Shechem. When the dust settles, Jacob laments: “Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, ‘You have brought trouble on me by making me a stench to the inhabitants of the land — to the Canaanites and Perizzites. We are few in number; if they unite against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.’” (Genesis 34:30) The sons’ rage turned the whole family into an offensive odor in the region. Their choices offer a sober warning for our own witness today. What Made Them a Stench? • Deceptive use of a sacred sign — They exploited circumcision, a covenant mark with God (Genesis 17:11), for personal vengeance. • Unrestrained anger — Rather than seeking justice, they unleashed wrath (cf. James 1:20). • Disregard for godly counsel — Simeon and Levi acted without their father’s direction, rejecting the wisdom of parental authority (Proverbs 1:8). • Indifference to testimony — Their violence broadcast a message that God’s people were no different from pagan raiders (Exodus 19:6 shows God’s desire for a holy nation). Lessons for Avoiding a Foul Reputation 1. Guard the sacred. – Treat every symbol of faith (Scripture, baptism, communion, Christian identity) with reverence, never as tools for manipulation (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). 2. Submit anger to God. – “Be angry, yet do not sin.” (Ephesians 4:26-27) – Commit wrongs to the Lord; He judges justly (1 Peter 2:23). 3. Seek godly counsel before drastic action. – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) 4. Value your testimony among outsiders. – “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders… Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.” (Colossians 4:5-6) – “Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that… they may glorify God.” (1 Peter 2:12) 5. Pursue peace when possible. – “If it is possible… live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18) – Peacemaking prevents needless hostility from festering into public scandal. Practices That Spread Christ’s Fragrance • Consistent integrity — Honest work, truthful words, reliable commitments (Proverbs 11:3). • Sacrificial love — Meeting needs, forgiving quickly, serving humbly (John 13:34-35). • Joyful hope — Contentment in trials signals a living Savior (Philippians 4:4-7). • Prayerful dependence — Regular intercession for neighbors softens hearts (1 Timothy 2:1-4). • Readiness to explain our hope — Gentle, respectful answers (1 Peter 3:15-16). When Fragrance Still Offends “For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing: to the one an odor of death to death, but to the other a fragrance of life to life.” (2 Corinthians 2:15-16) Living faithfully will always bother some; the gospel itself divides. Our aim is to ensure any offense arises from truth, not from hypocrisy, anger, or reckless behavior. Putting It Into Practice Today • Evaluate motives: Am I acting for God’s honor or my own? • Slow down responses: Pause, pray, seek counsel before speaking or posting. • Choose redemptive actions: Replace retaliation with service. • Cultivate transparency: Admit fault quickly; apologize sincerely. • Keep eternity in view: Measure every decision by whether it magnifies Christ’s name. By walking in humility, love, and holiness, we trade the stench of self-willed anger for the life-giving aroma of Christ, drawing many to the Savior instead of driving them away. |
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