Setting the Climate

Are You A Thermometer or Are You A Thermostat?

“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”

1 Corinthians 11:1 As God’s covenant people, I believe we should make a positive impact on the world around us. Those of us who know the truth should not be silent, but should shine the light of truth for others to see, so that they too might follow after truth.

Did He not say that He would make His people the head and not the tail? “And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail . . .” Deuteronomy 28:13 As God’s people, we have great influence. But we will only be an influence for good if we walk in the light. Otherwise, we are blind leaders of the blind. But when we walk in the light of the truth, and know the One Who is the truth, then we are equipped to lead others, to offer a better way, to set the climate.

Many people today have central air in their homes. The central air unit is operated by a thermostat. Now, a thermostat is not to be confused with a thermometer. A thermometer is an instrument for showing us what the temperature is, but a thermostat is an instrument for regulating the temperature and setting the climate.

Now, here’s a question for you — Are you a thermometer or a thermostat?

A thermometer is affected by its surroundings. It goes up or down, depending on the climate. It changes with the temperature, and will always be the same temperature as the room in which it sits. If you are a thermometer, you will always reflect the climate that surrounds you. If the climate around you is discontentment, hatred, fear, doubt, joy, happiness or expectancy — whatever the climate — you will reflect the crowd and join in. You will always conform.

In contrast, a thermostat does just the opposite. It changes the environment rather than reflecting it. It sets the climate and determines the environment within its circle of influence. If it gets too hot, the thermostat will cool things down. If it gets too cool, the thermostat turns on the heat. It does not reflect the environment; it regulates the environment.

So, think about it. Do you conform to and reflect what is going on around you? Do you follow in lock step with the crowd? Or do you have a positive impact on the crowd? Are you changing the culture, or is the culture changing you?

The Bible exhorts you to be a thermostat, not a thermometer! “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Now, you may be thinking that you would like to be a thermostat, but you don’t think God could never use you. Well, you are wrong. You may not have ever thought about this, but inside of every thermostat, there is also a thermometer. Deep down, it may not be your personality to set the climate, but anyone who calls upon the Lord Jesus Christ will have the power to rise up and be a thermostat. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

So, I challenge the reader — Don’t be a thermometer! Be a thermostat! Don’t be changed by the culture around you. Change the culture for the better! Don’t reflect the climate, set the climate! Let’s make a difference in this world for the better, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Amen!