Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is– his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV) Romans 12:2
Warren Wiersbe tells the following story: “The trouble with him is that he’s a thermometer and not a thermostat!” This statement by one of his deacons aroused the pastor’s curiosity. They were discussing possible board members, and Jim’s name had come up.”
“Pastor, it’s like this,” the deacon explained. “A thermometer doesn’t change anything around it – it just registers the temperature. It’s always going up and down. But a thermostat regulates the surroundings and changes them when they need to be change. Jim is a thermometer – he lacks the power to change things. Instead, they change him!”
Which are you, a thermometer or a thermostat? Are you being changed or being used as a change agent? Do your moods shift with your circumstances? Does your level of faith swing with good times and bad times? Does your attitude reflect the prevailing view of the majority? Do you feel more like a victim of circumstances rather than a victor over circumstances? Or is there a consistent level of contentment in your life. . . no matter your circumstances, there’s a contentment in knowing that God is in control?
“Thermostat people” are those who stay level headed. . . those who see the potential, the God-potential, when others become negative. . . those who are willing to take a stand for Christ, no matter what it costs. . . those who obey God even when it doesn’t make sense. . . those who God uses in a mighty way! There are plenty of thermometers walking around. I want to be a thermostat, how about you?
