The other day, I received a note from a person who is refreshing and rare. They are committed to Jesus and walk with God. This person has chosen God’s priorities over their own agenda, and their life proves it. People like this quietly change the world as they faithfully live for Jesus. They are refreshing and rare. I want to be this kind of person.

Being alive is a privilege! God designed you to be dependent on Christ – synced with Him at your core. Joy and peace result from being connected with Jesus, even in times of sorrows. Plus, you gain purpose and wisdom.

I want to take a short side trail here. As you know salvation is completely free for anyone who trusts Jesus for forgiveness of sins and eternal life. He is “Savior.” However, Jesus is also “Lord.” People sometimes forget this part. In early Christendom, the two terms were indivisible – as if they were one and the same title. Now people have become accustomed to separating them. Some say they are “saved.” But their lives don’t resemble a child of God. This is a breakdown of understanding. Trusting Jesus means valuing His priorities, serving Him, and representing God. This is called “discipleship.”

So salvation is free, but discipleship costs everything you have to “work out your salvation.” (Phil. 2:12) It’s an all-or-nothing kind of idea. Paul uses the term “living sacrifice.” All of this! – is being a Christian. You can’t separate salvation and discipleship just as you can’t separate Savior and Lord. They are one and the same. Accepting this makes you refreshing and rare.

Apparently, Timothy – the young man in the New Testament – was this kind of person. Paul speaks highly of him, mentioning his faithfulness and friendship. This man had learned how to take care of Jesus’ interests above his own, even though he was young. Inexperience wasn’t a barrier. He decided to go all out and give his youth – and his entire self – to God.

Most people grow up to be the best person they can. They study and apply themselves to stretch into better things. They have their sights fixed on developing the best “me” within their reach. And they grow with experience and age. At every life season, you can be refreshing and rare by being “a surrendered you.” This is God’s plan.

An “R and R” person (refreshing and rare) has something to give. They are fully committed to God and spend time with Him daily. This unusual kind of commitment transforms them from the inside out. After all, having facetime with Jesus changes your heart and nurtures courage. Such a person leaves a mark in simple yet significant ways. They just live as faithful as they know how. Tenacious faithfulness and love for God endears them to God – and to others.

Let’s explore two critical qualities of a refreshing and rare person.

The above qualities get you closer to God and to being the person He created you to be. It always starts with putting God’s agenda first. Serving the Lord’s interests. Being a living sacrifice is “your true and proper worship.” (Rom. 12:1) This is God’s original design, and it is refreshing and rare.

I want to mention a guy in Scripture who lived this kind of committed life. His name is Epaphroditus. He almost died putting Jesus’ agenda first. Talk about a credible example of God’s love! He cared deeply about God’s love for His people and proved it by what he did each day. Self-sacrifice. God-focused. Other-serving. Thoughtfulness. Kindness. Consistently being who God made him to be with no apology or personal agenda.

May you find courage to be like Jesus in a world that needs Him so badly. This time in history – when the internet, social media, and immediate information is considered normal and desired – is filled with people that have needs and broken hearts. They need a Savior and Lord. They need someone who is willing to be refreshing and rare. Why not be that person? Help others be “R and R.” You can be more “R and R” each day.

Article developed from Phil. 2:19-30.

Order a copy FOR YOURSELF and as a CHRISTMAS GIFT. Click – More E-pistles For An i-Generation: Relevant in a Digital Age. This study book takes you through Paul’s epistles all the way from Galatians through Philemon. Short daily sessions with practical action steps help you grow in your walk with God.

The first book, E-pistles For An i-Generation: Relevant in a Digital Age, takes you through 1 and 2 Corinthians. These epistles are “Relevant in a Digital Age!” (book sub-title)

Another Tool! During COVID-19, we need help praying. 10 Days of Prayer During COVID-19 is a simple and effective tool that helps you pray specifically for 10 days. These prayer cards are filled with comfort and hope. You can use them on your device or print them for a physical card set.

Check out our books for a collection of wonderful resources that help people get into God’s Word and apply it in practical ways to daily life. Encouragement, helpful action steps, and lots of HOPE! Browse and order GIFTS for someone (and for yourself!) today!

OR listen from our website podcast library while you –