Durian is an Asian fruit that also grows in Papua New Guinea. It is as big as a melon and has sharp thorns all over it. It smells like rotten onions and sewage, but many people prize it for its rich custard-like flesh and sweet garlic-and-onion flavor. Durian’s strong odor has caused it to be banned from buses, airplanes and hotels in some countries.

Ever since I learned about this infamous fruit as a child, I have been eager to taste one. It is such a polarizing fruit. Some people think it’s the best tasting thing ever, and others want to vomit after smelling it. I wondered which reaction I would have. Would I be able to get it past my nose?

How many times have unconverted men and women faced similar uncertainty about the Christian Gospel? There is talk about how much God loves and forgives sinners. There are promises of how He will end suffering and death, and predictions of Jesus coming to take His people home to paradise. But Christians often act like all of God’s promises and instructions are of little importance. They talk the talk, but they don’t walk the walk. By their example, they give a wrong representation of God’s church and cause it to stink before the world.

My friends, I devoured a durian smoothie last week while in Houston, Texas, and discovered that I enjoy the taste. Yes, my breath stank badly enough afterward that Edie didn’t want to get near me. But I encourage you to follow the advice of the Bible: “O taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8).

Surely a loving selfless Christian will bring a sweet aroma to the world!

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