My wife Pat often quotes the saying, “Only one life ’twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” I like that. Our lives will fly by faster than we expect. The apostle Paul reminds us of that when he says “you are a mist that appears for a while and then vanishes.” So what are we doing to make a difference for eternity?

I’ve met many believers who reflect the outward signs of committed Christians. They’re involved in their churches. They love the Bible. Still, they seem to be stalled in their Christian walk. They’re not growing in their faith, they’re not joyful and they’re not filled with the Holy Spirit.

It’s so sad because they’re passing up opportunities to share their faith! So, how do we followers of Christ re-kindle the passion that first brought us to Him?

The answer is to get back to the basics. Re-surrender and welcome Christ back into your heart. Pray and worship. Read and meditate on your Bible. Share your faith with someone who needs to know Jesus. As you watch the Lord work, you’ll discover a new enthusiasm for the things of God.

Some years ago I was visiting a church where a successful Christian businessman was telling his story to the congregation. “As a young man,” he said, “I answered an altar call to follow Christ and I surrendered all. I accepted Christ into my life and gave Him everything!” From somewhere in the back of the church a voice rang out – “I dare you to do it again!”

Many of us, when we were young, surrendered all to the Lord. It seemed easy to do when all we owned was a few pairs of jeans and a beat up car. Maybe that’s why God often uses young people – because young men and women are more willing to give everything to the Lord.

Today, listen to God’s voice: is He challenging you once again to surrender all to Him? Don’t hold back! Hebrews 3:15 says, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”

I pray that you will hear God’s call to re-surrender and re-commit your lives to His service. Once you do, you’ll experience a renewal of your spiritual passion that will strengthen you as you reach out to others with the Good News. When you surrender yourself 100% to proclaiming the way of salvation, God can use you in a big way.

An interesting survey was recently done by the Barna Group. They asked young people to share what kind of perceptions came to mind when the word ’Christianity’ was mentioned. The top three observations that came to mind about Christians were: anti-homosexual, judgmental, and hypocritical. That’s pretty sad, isn’t it?

Now, I’m not saying that all Christians exhibit these kinds of attitudes. But it’s important to realize that there’s a reason many people have very negative perceptions of Christianity. That’s why I believe each one of us should examine our own hearts and minds in light of this topic.

We need to remember that we’re all sinners. Even the apostle Paul said in First Timothy, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst!” You and I don’t need to point out people’s sins to them – that’s the Holy Spirit’s job!

Think about how Jesus treated the lost. He loved people right where they were at. And because of that, sinners’ lives were changed. They believed. They wanted to follow the Lord.

Christ’s perfect balance of love, grace, and truth is a great example for us all to follow.

Second Corinthians chapter 2:14 and 15 is a super verse. It starts with this: “…Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession.” Triumphal procession: that means thrilling, successful evangelism that only comes from Christ’s power. Jesus is the one who does it. He leads us in it. You and I just need to follow His ways, His Word, His voice.

The next part of the verse explains how the Lord leads us in evangelism victory. It says, “Through us [Christ] spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.” That’s really what evangelism is – “spreading around the perfume of Jesus Christ.” That’s what you and I are doing – as we walk in the power of Jesus Christ living inside us.

As we talk to people, chat with them, even joking, playing, and working. We are spreading the fragrance of Christ. We are showing our world real love, true joy, inner peace and lasting hope — the blessings that are found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

So ask the Lord to help others see Him in you – through the words you speak, the smiles you give, and the reactions you make. Christ takes the lead – and asks you to follow. As you do, you’ll be spreading His aroma to the people in your world.