Nose Blind?

There is currently a commercial on TV for a product named Fabreeze. This product is sprayed onto furniture and fabric to freshen all the smells around the area. It also comes in small containers that can be attached to trash cans, vehicle dashboards or other confined areas that can harbor unpleasant odors. These commercials imply that there are unpleasant odors around us to which we have become ‘nose blind’. Having been regularly around our pets, we may no longer pick up the scent of animals that permeates the house. Teens who do not keep their room clean may not even notice that their rooms reek with the aroma of dirty socks. A kitchen can still smell of the previous night's dinner long after. We can become accustomed to these odors and no longer be aware of their presence.
The catchphrase of ‘nose blind’ and its principle can also occur with pleasant aromas. Fresh baked cookies may smell amazing. This scent lingers, but we become accustomed to it. Only if a guest arrives and comments on the mouth-watering aroma, do we again pick up the delightful scent. As we stay in an environment, we no longer are aware of a smell that may have been extremely strong initially. Others walking into the same environment will be assaulted with the intensity of the odors. Whether with anticipation or disgust, they will wonder how anybody could not notice.
This is actually a function of the brain. As an alert system, odors are initially quite obvious to us. If the order was that of smoke, we would likely respond quickly to find and put out a fire in order to keep our person and property safe. The aroma of fresh cookies may entice us to taste one. But if we do not respond, the brain catalogs this odor as unimportant and it fades to the background of our awareness.
Unfortunately, a similar process can occur in our relationship with the Lord. When we do not respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, we can become dull and unaware of our true condition. The story of the Prodigal Son and his brother is a good example of this. (See Luke 15:11-32) The prodigal worked with the pigs for some time before he came to his senses. Once he became aware of the stench of the pigpen, he responded by taking action and returning to his father. The brother had been in the presence of his father continually with all its wonderful scents and benefits. Yet he did not request even a taste of what was available.

What have we lost our sensitivity to? Is there sin that we have allowed to stay around and we are no longer aware of the disgusting odor of death and decay that it is causing. “For the wages which sin pays is death…” (Romans 6:23a AMP) We must go to the Scriptures and allow Jesus to clean up the rotten areas in our lives. “So that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word, that He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such things [that she might be holy and faultless].” (Ephesians 5:26-27 AMP) God will not only mask an odor, but He will totally clean it away. If we confess and receive forgiveness, we will knowingly proclaim, “But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere, For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing:” (2 Corinthians 2:14-15 AMP)

Do we let the memory of God’s work in our lives fade quickly? If we have forgotten the sweetness of the many blessings of God in our lives, we must acknowledge His provision and deliverance. “Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits.” (Psalm 103:2 AMP) The God Who has been with us in the past will be faithful in our present and future. “And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.” (Philippians 1:6 AMP)
Others will enter our lives and observe our actions. What will they see? Will they wonder how we cannot be aware of our true state? When we walk in constant contact with God, rightly assessing His work and our response, we will be a blessing to those who will see Christ in us. “Conduct yourselves properly (honorably, righteously) among the Gentiles, so that, although they may slander you as evildoers, [yet] they may by witnessing your good deeds [come to] glorify God in the day of inspection [when God shall look upon you wanderers as a pastor or shepherd looks over his flock].” (1 Peter 2:12 AMP)
Do not willingly allow any sin to become commonplace in your life, so that you do not even notice its smelly presence. Do not forget what God has done and miss the beautiful fragrance of His continual presence. Accurately discern the aroma of your life.