My husband and I were talking yesterday morning about our values and beliefs in light of the election results and he told me, "Honey, we're a dying breed." I refuse to believe that! I believe that there are millions of people that share our same conservative values and beliefs, but we've all been silent for too long.
A while back I heard an illustration comparing Christians to thermometers and thermostats. It got me to thinking about what the differences in these two items were?
A thermometer rises and falls with changes in the temperature. It measures and indicates temperature. Thermometers never CHANGE the climate -- they just gauge the temperature. In other words, a thermometer simply tells us what the temperature in the room is.
A thermostat, on the other hand, automatically regulates temperature. The device is activated when it reaches a certain point. It's purpose is to maintain the temperature at the desired set-point. In other words, a thermostat dictates the temperature in the room.
I wonder, do we rise and fall based on our environment, or are we setting the "temperature" for our surroundings?
Are we like a thermometer that simply records what's going on in our environment?
Or, are we more like a thermostat setting the desired "temperature" for our surroundings?
Do we "adjust" to the crowd or do we choose to change the crowd?
The Bible tells us in I Corinthians 15:33, "Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits." I can't mess around with people who weaken me and expect to stay strong. (For more on this subject read this post.)
We are commanded in Matthew 5 to be "the salt of the earth" and the "light of the world"! We are to be vessels of change in our world. God calls us to separate ourselves from others (both Christians and non-believers), if we find ourselves being influenced rather than being an influence.
God is calling each of us to be thermostats in our world! He wants us to live in such a way that our lives set the tone in our families, our neighborhoods and in our workplaces.
We should be the pacesetters. We should influence rather than be influenced. We should be thermostats rather than thermometers.
So.... am I influencing my surroundings --- or am I being influenced by my environment?
Definitely something to ponder today.
What about you?
Thermometer or thermostat?
14 comments:
This is such a great post! I am going to pass it along...thanks for sharing!
I'm one of those conservatives who is just sick about the results of the election...
Great post Mimi! We are with you on being old fashioned conservatives :) And I will definitely strive even more to be a thermostat!
Our Pastor has been speaking about this very subject. Being an influence instead of being influenced in the wrong direction.
This is a great analogy and reminder of what we are to be.
Love this post!!!
Thank you MiMi! My brother-in-law has his biopsy today and his MRI and PET scan on Monday. The cancer is very advanced (stage 4).
Your post was great....I choose to be a thermostat!
I love this analogy (I may have to use that for a SS lesson sometime). I'm with you - I don't think conservatives are a dying breed - hopefully during times like this, we'll see more and more see the need to take a firm stand!
Hmmm, I've never thought about the difference between the two before, but it has definitely got me thinking. I want to be influencer and point others to Christ.
Love this post, and love you more!!
Wow I have goosebumps~~ Oh how I pray that I influence others in the cause of Christ regardless of the circumstances. To live a life sold out to Him and not ever be comfortable living outside of His will.
Thank you for this ~~ just what I needed on a busy packing Friday.
Love you friend, Dawn
Oh, how I want to be a thermostat!!! What a GREAT analogy...this is going to be one of those "nuggets" that sticks with me! Thanks, MiMi! I am praying God will bless you right back for how you have blessed me today!
Mimi please write a book, maybe a devotional type.
you have the best way of relating scripture and the bible's teachings to everyday life.
you really help me relate to the Word.
I love your blog.
What great thoughts! I too feel the same way sometimes......."Are we the ONLY ones??"
Loved this!
Hey here ya go:)
Po Box 20583
Greenville NC 27858
Cindy
Great post and very thought provoking. The world need to see those who stand against evil because we see those who cave everywhere. May God help us in our world...we need the Lord!
Great post, I certainly could work on my walk!
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