Called To GreatnessSample

RUAVRP

You can easily spot a VDP, but rarely see one in the mirror. VDP stands for “Very Draining Person.” They exhibit repetitive negative, pessimistic, complaining, and “life sucking” behaviors. They criticize, complain, whine, make excuses and find faults. Their words are laced with destruction, and they spew their poison on anyone who dares to listen.

The opposite of a VDP is a VRP or “Very Refreshing People.” Large numbers of faith-filled, positive, right-living, energized Very Refreshing People are needed to combat the devastating effects of Very Draining People. They speak words of life into the ordinary and transform it. They re-fill your energy tanks – emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. They breathe encouragement, blessing, and hope into your soul and remind you that nothing is impossible with God.

In the Bible, Onesiphorus was a VRP. He brought hope and healing to Paul. In fact, his name actually means “to bring help or profit-bearing.” From Onesiphorus’ example in 2 Timothy 1:16-17, we learn three key characteristics of a VRP that we can apply as fathers and sons:

1. Refreshment is Repeated.
   Paul writes, “he often refreshed me.” This was not a one and done refreshment, but Onesiphorus poured out encouragement time and time again. Refreshing needs to be regular and repeated.
    
2. Refreshment is Risky.
   Paul says that Onesiphorus “was not ashamed of my chains.” He was willing to associate himself with Paul’s sufferings in prison. We need to step out of our comfort zone to refresh others! Refreshing others is often risky. Onesiphorus brought encouragement and hope.
    
3. Refreshment is Relentless.
   Onesiphorus “searched hard” for Paul. He was relentless to find his friend and refused to stop until he “found him.” Onesiphorus did whatever it took to bring a big dose of refreshment to Paul. VRPs are persistent and tenacious.

The question is – RUAVRP? Are you a Very Refreshing Person? The challenge is not whether you have VRPs in your life, but are you one? Do you bring life to people? To your son? To your father?

Fathers need to set the standard for their sons. Your words can unlock God’s greatness in your son. You need to be committed to infusing life into him through your intentional words of nourishment. Let him feast off your encouragement. Become a VRP for each other because when you are refreshing, you are a blessing.

Take Action

1. If we asked our friends or family members, which one would would they say we are? Why?
2. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being a refresher and 1 being a drainer), rank yourself. Rank each other.
3. Do you see areas to refresh your son? Your father? Write those down and begin to breathe refreshment and blessing into each other’s lives.

Father, there is fresh power at the foot of the cross. I want to be a lifter—a refresher. Help me to be a Very Refreshing Person every day. Too often I get focused on myself and do not see the opportunities to bless others with words and actions. Thank You for loving me and refreshing me all the time.