There’s nothing quite like a steaming hot cup of coffee or cocoa on a cold day. By the same token, if the temps outside are soaring, we tend to grab an ice-cold glass of water to quench our thirst and stay hydrated.

Either way, the drink is refreshing to our bodies as it helps take the edge off the very hot or cold day.

As Christ-followers, we are called to be just like those hot or cold drinks that satisfy every fiber of our being on those bone-chilling or sweat-inducing days.

In Revelation 3, Jesus spoke a stern statement to a group of believers who were not living out this call to be refreshing but instead chose to be lukewarm.

“I know you well – you are neither hot nor cold; I wish you were one or the other! But since you are merely lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth.” (Rev. 3:15-16 TLB)

All of us would agree there’s nothing refreshing about a lukewarm drink on a hot or cold day.

We live in a world where spiritual lukewarm-ness prevails. People have their preferences, opinions, and passionate soapboxes. The world capitalizes on these in a way that divides, polarizes, and separates.

Contrary to refreshing, navigating this environment day-in and day-out is exhausting.

As Christians, we are called to be refreshing wherever we go. To have the opposite effect that the world is having. To bring life, truth, kindness, and love into whatever situation we’re in.

Refreshing can look so many different ways.

It may be sitting with a grieving friend who has just lost a loved one; it may be surprising your spouse with a sweet text to let them know how much they mean to you; it may be going above and beyond at work just to help take a little off of your co-worker’s overloaded plate.

Regardless of how it materializes, we have a divine call to be refreshing to those around us. And, in doing so, we are, ultimately, reflecting the heart of our God who continuously refreshes us.

“…He refreshes my soul.” (Ps. 23:3 NIV).

Until next time, Grace and Glory!