The Scent of a Christian

Our family room is decorated with Texas symbols. It is a tribute to the fifteen years that we resided in the Lone Star State. Prominently on display is a beautiful Texas Afghan throw comforter, that is draped over our largest couch and showcased by two Texas pillows at each end! The comforter pictures, in decorative stitching, some of the most notable symbols of the Great State: the Alamo, the Mockingbird, the Armadillo, a Bucking Bronco, a Pecan Tree, and numerous Bluebonnets outlining the perimeter! It is a continual reminder of what we love about Texas!

A Tribute to Mac!

I regularly read these monthly periodicals: Texas Monthly, Parks and Wildlife, and Texas Highways. They help me to keep up with Texas news, events, and happenings! I never miss reading the last page of Texas Monthly that features a delightfully funny and sarcastic short article with a “Question and Answer” format. It is written by Davis Courtney, The Texanist, who, by his own description, offers “Fine Advice and Keen Observations.” 😊

At times, Texas Monthly readers like to throw Courtney some interesting challenges. In the recent June 2026 issue he was asked by Stephen Lupton of Christoval, “Why doesn’t Texas (that is so rich with symbols!) have an ‘official state scent?’” In the next online update, Courtney asked his readers to address this “omission” with their own suggestions of memorable scents.

Some respondents noted the natural scents of flowers, trees, and shrubs, like one of my favorites, the Crape Myrtle. Others reflected on the smells of leather from boot and saddle shops. Still others approached this question from a culinary perspective. They mentioned several foods like breakfast tacos, chili, Mrs. Baird’s bread, or a good Whataburger! In the end, it was the slow-cooked (over mesquite, pecan, or oak wood) barbeque brisket, ribs, or links that was the popular choice making Texas Q the winner of the “scent survey” of noteworthy smells! Yay Rudy’s Bar-B-Q!!

I have mentioned before that I serve as an Illinois State Police (ISP) Chaplain. One of the ways I fulfill my duties is to prayerfully support troopers and their families by noting the passing of their loved ones. Many from the general public may not be aware that ISP recognizes the passing of police service dogs, as well as sworn or code officers or employees of the state police family. An “obituary” of distinguishing accomplishments is always noted by the handler regarding their service dog.

Recently, a retired ISP patrol canine, named Mac, was recognized at his passing for his eight years (2014-2022) of service. Mac’s contributions were extraordinary! During his career, he assisted in the seizure of 107 kilograms of cocaine, 323 kg of methamphetamine, 17 kg of heroin, 1,850 pounds of marijuana, as well as $1,729,772 in illicit US currency! The removal of these dangerous narcotics and criminal proceeds disrupted criminal activities and protected countless people. Mac deserves credit for his partnership in public safety.

We know that dogs have a heightened sense of smell. Compared to humans, who only have 10-20 million olfactory receptors cells, canines have 300 million and they dedicate roughly forty percent more of their brains to processing odors. I have seen ISP-trained canines, like Mac, in action at our state training facility. The handlers adore these dogs and use play and reward strategies, along with their innate and keen sense of smell, to develop these beautiful canines into a valued force of partners who help to safeguard and protect Illinois citizens.

Now, what does all this talk of smell mean for Christians? The Scriptures remind us metaphorically of the powerful scent of a believer’s influence in this world. Paul writes about how God uses us, “Now He uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.” (2 Corinthians 2:14-15, NLT).

I quit using men’s cologne when we started having grandchildren. I didn’t want my grands smelling like English Leather after I had taken them up in my arms to love on them! There is a fragrance that I cannot dismiss though, and that is the fragrance of Christlike affections, speech, and actions. Our world needs to be able to noticeably detect that we are Christ-followers by the scent emanating from our lives! Let’s give off that “sweet smell of Christ” in our hearts! 

Related Link: Rodent Protection

Mike Keppler, retired pastor,
active churchman and
doting grandparent.
Contact: drmjkeppler@gmail.com
©2018-2026 All rights reserved.
Serve by Design. mjkministries.com

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