It’s a question that might cross our minds more often than we’d like to admit. Whether we’re talking literally or just thinking about how we come across to others, it’s something we’ve all wondered. These thoughts can hit especially hard when we reflect on our spiritual lives. As we juggle daily responsibilities and try to meet all the expectations placed on us, it’s easy to feel like we’re not measuring up. We might walk into church on a Sunday morning, carrying the weight of the week, and think, “Am I really pleasing to God? Do I truly belong here?”

These doubts are normal, but they don’t have to define us. There’s a deeper truth that’s far more freeing than we might realize. In 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, Paul describes our lives as followers of Christ as having a fragrance—a scent that rises up to God. But here’s the thing: that fragrance smells different depending on who’s picking it up.

For those who are on the same journey of faith, it’s a sweet aroma, a reminder of God’s presence and love. But for those who might be far from God, that same fragrance can be unsettling, maybe even a little offensive, because it challenges something deep inside them. It’s not that we’re doing something wrong; it’s that Christ’s presence in us stirs something in others that they might not be ready to face.

So, do we stink? In a way, yes—but not in the way we might worry about. Living out our faith authentically means carrying Christ’s fragrance everywhere we go, drawing some closer to Him while possibly challenging others. But that doesn’t mean we’ve failed. In fact, it’s a sign that Christ is truly at work in us.

Understanding this can change how we see ourselves and our interactions with others. It’s easy to take it personally when someone reacts negatively to us, especially when we’re trying our best to live out our faith. But Paul’s words remind us that their reaction might have less to do with us and more to do with the fragrance of Christ that we carry.

Recognizing this allows us to move forward confidently, knowing we don’t have to be perfect. We don’t need to worry about whether we’re good enough or whether we’re doing everything right. Our worth isn’t based on our performance; it’s based on who we are as God’s children. And to Him, we are always a sweet aroma, no matter what others might think.

Christ leads us daily, not just when we feel worthy but also through our struggles. Paul reminds us that our spot in this victory parade is secure, not because of what we do, but because of who we are in Him. We’re always included, always cherished, no matter what.

As we keep moving forward, carrying Christ’s fragrance with us, our job is pretty straightforward: just keep going, share His love wherever we are, and trust that God is working in ways we might not always see right away.

Our worth isn’t tied to our achievements or how perfectly we live out our faith. It’s about being who God has called us to be—His beloved children, cherished and valued simply because we are His. This truth frees us from the pressure to prove ourselves, allowing us to embrace our place in God’s family with confidence and joy.

As we continue on this journey, let’s remember that we’re not alone. We’re part of a community, a family, where each of us plays a unique and important role. Together, we can lift each other up, remind one another of the truth that our value is secure in Christ, and celebrate the incredible reality that we’re all part of something much bigger than ourselves.

This is the beauty of being part of God’s victory parade—it’s an ongoing journey where every believer is always included, always cherished, and always loved. No matter where we find ourselves today—whether we’re feeling strong and confident or tired and uncertain—we have a place in this procession. We belong. And that truth, more than anything else, gives us the strength to keep going, to keep walking, and to keep spreading the love of Christ wherever we go.

So, the next time you find yourself wondering, “Do I stink?” remember that this “smell” is actually something beautiful in God’s eyes. It’s the fragrance of Christ that you carry with you, a scent that shows you’re His beloved, cherished, and valued child. You’re part of His grand procession, and that sweet aroma of being His is what truly lingers.