Refreshing And Rare: Hope For This Year

When you think of “refreshing and rare,” who comes to your mind? What character qualities define this person? I’m guessing they are courageous, personable, persevering. Further, I imagine they are kind and gentle, as well as strong and honest. Most of all, the person who comes to your mind probably lives with hope.

As you enter this next year, you need hope, too. The next 12 months provide opportunity to manage, enjoy, and problem-solve in your life. Thankfully, God provides refreshing and rare hope for every day.

Of course, hope always starts in Christ. Afterall, He’s the One who makes hope possible. Essentially, your relationship with Jesus is a lifeline to genuine hope.

However, there are notable qualities that define a refreshing and rare life. Interestingly, Jesus has each of the qualities. Thankfully, He wants to share these with you.

So, let’s dig into today’s content.

Refreshing and Rare

The other day, I received a note from a person very committed to Jesus. They believe in the power of prayer, in taking everything to God each day, and in surrendering to His will. Actually, it touches my heart every time I think of my friend. Essentially, I’m encouraged with our interactions. Truly, this friend is refreshing and rare.

Did you know a refreshing and rare person quietly changes the world as they faithfully live for Jesus?

I want to be this kind of person. How about you?

Actually, you can be. Afterall, God designed you with –

• Glory. Created in His image.
• Purpose. Remarkably, like His.
• Dependence on Christ. Interestingly, you function to your full capacity here.
• Unique calling for your life. This gives you peace and boldness.

 

Subsequently, it’s God’s original design to live refreshing and rare.

The Choice Of Refreshing And Rare

Refreshing and rare sounds wonderful, right? Still, there’s a cost to that kind of living. It’s called discipleship. Interestingly, your salvation costs nothing (although it cost Jesus His life). Contrastingly, discipleship costs everything you have. Incidentally, Paul talks about this as “living sacrifice.”

Nevertheless, you decide. God gave you a free will to choose how you will live. Of course, choosing to reject God’s design is as powerful as deciding to submit to His purposes. Afterall, God declares He is faithful to His covenant and His love. (Deut. 7:9) Rejecting His design brings consequences. On the other hand, submitting to God’s design and principles brings blessing and reward.

As a result, it’s critical to embrace the cost of discipleship. Equally, engage and use your will as God intended. Simply put – pursue being refreshing and rare.

Aim For This

Uniquely, when you decide to live close to Jesus, His interests become more important to you than your own. Mt. 7:14 says, “narrow [is] the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Consequently, this means – aim for the road only a few travel. How refreshing and rare to be on God’s path. Essentially, it means you choose to be –

• Selfless.
• Pro-active.
• Focused (on Christ and others).
• Hard-working.
• Creative.
• Sincere from your heart.

 

Recently, I read 1 Thess. 4:11 again. Frankly, it says it best.  “. . . lead a quiet life . . . mind your own business . . . work with your hands . . .”

Refreshing And Rare People

Most people try to be the best person they can. They apply themselves to “stretch” into God’s design for them. Incidentally, when a Jesus follower works to be who God designed, they fix their eyes on Jesus to become increasingly like Him. Further, they also “stretch” their talents and resources to bring glory to God.

It is refreshing and rare to find a person fully committed to God. Here are some observable characteristics of such a person.

1. Their level of commitment inspires your heart and courage.
2. Such a person leaves a mark wherever they go.
3. Tenacious faithfulness to God endears them to God’s heart – and to others’ hearts.
4. Interestingly, they invest themselves in God’s interests. 
5. Essentially, they commit to be the person God designed.
6. Joy and peace fill their heart, even during sorrow.
7. Additionally, they ask God for wisdom.
8. Incredibly, God trusts them!

 

Examples From People

Let’s look at several examples of people – refreshing and rare.

TIMOTHY

Apparently, Timothy is this kind of person. Paul speaks highly of him, his faithfulness, and friendship. In fact, Timothy is an example of someone with a lifestyle to aim for.

Timothy takes care of Jesus’ interests above his own. Remarkably, even though he’s young, inexperience isn’t a barrier. He goes “all out” and gives his entire self to God.

Incidentally, Timothy simply wants to be faithful. Nevertheless, his life becomes an example of “refreshing and rare.”

As a result, Timothy is a good example of putting Jesus first even in his youth.

EPAPHRODITUS

Epaphroditus is another young man with a very committed life. He’s mentioned in Phil. 2 – “[Epaphroditus] brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger . . .” Paul is speaking.

Remarkably, Epaphroditus almost died putting Jesus’ agenda first. This is a credible example of commitment, resolve, and gratitude for God’s love! Plus, he has Paul’s full endorsement as a quality and godly man.

Apparently, Epaphroditus takes his commitment to God seriously and is a good example of resolve.

PEOPLE YOU KNOW

Now, think of who you know that lives refreshing and rare? Name them. In particular, what impresses you as you witness their life?

Do you want to be like them? Why? What do you need to change to be more like the person(s) you name?

Strategically, God puts people in your life to provide examples and encouragement.

NOW – YOU

Interestingly, the focus is now on you. Are you living refreshing and rare? Or have you settled for less than that?

Incidentally, you have been created for greatness. Plus, God wants you to inspire others to follow and be faithful to Jesus. This is one of the greatest things you can do with your life.

To succeed –

1. What character qualities do you need to work at?
2. Simultaneously, what do you need to get rid of?

 

Afterall, your life is a gift from God, and He intends you to know Him more and more. Plus, He has purposes specially designed for you. Further, you are His example to certain others in your life.

So, why not embrace the person God designed you to be? Definitively, raise your bar and follow Jesus’ example.

Ideas About Refreshing And Rare

Consider these ideas as you work to be refreshing and rare.

1. God’s Plan

God’s plan is that you resemble His Son, Jesus Christ – increasingly. Even in difficult or painful times, God wants you to be established and confident in His promises and His love.

Suffering is a reality in life. However, to suffer for the right reasons becomes an opportunity to love God back. Plus, sacrifices of time, energy, and money for God’s work to help others becomes a joy.

Actually, discipleship is a consuming lifestyle to intentionally adopt. The only way to live an Alive and Active Life is to pursue more of Jesus. Simultaneously, you fulfill God’s plan as you become refreshing and rare.

2. Best You Possible

Work to be the best person possible for Jesus. Subsequently, practice these:

• First, spend daily time in Scripture and talking with God.
• Next, be teachable and honest.
• Also, accept your uniqueness.
• Practice your skill sets in real life settings.
• Further, embrace flexibility as you respond to God’s training to “be the best you possible.”
• Importantly, approach each day with a fresh and alive perspective.
• When you struggle or suffer, stand firm in the hope and joy Jesus provides.
• Consider – you don’t have anything to prove about yourself.
• Finally, joyfully be a living sacrifice.

 

Live this way as “your true and proper worship.” (Rom. 12:1) God’s original design is refreshing and rare.

Application Thoughts And Questions

1. First, are you living with the perspective – it’s a privilege to be alive?
2. Do you accept God wants you to have glory and purpose?
3. Are you dependent on Christ?
4. So, would others say you are surrendered to God?
5. Further, are you confident in God’s special purpose for your life?
6. Provide examples of how you practice these character qualities.
   1. 1. Strong level of commitment.
      2. Ability to leave a mark.
      3. Tenacious faithfulness.
      4. Preferring God’s interests. 
      5. Commitment to be who God designed.
      6. Joy and peace fill their heart, even during sorrow.
      7. Additionally, they ask God for wisdom.
      8. Be thankful for the privilege that God trusts you.

 

Incidentally, what are you doing to be the best “you” – to live refreshing and rare?

* Portions of this content come from my book – More e-Pistles For An i-Generation: Relevant In A Digital Age – a devotional book that takes you through all Paul’s letters that follow 1 and 2 Corinthians. You’ll find practical action points that help you know God better and nurture personal growth. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.

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