Be a Thermostat
A mentor of mine has often said to me, “Will, be a thermostat, not a thermometer. Be a thermostat, not a thermometer.”
What does he mean by that? Well… a thermometer reads the room, and adjusts to whatever the temperature already is. A thermostat on the other hand, sets the temperature of the room.
We see this dynamic in Psalm 119 … the psalmist says in verse 74,
“Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice because I have hoped in your word.”
The people see how the psalmist hopes in God’s word, and it makes them happy! He is the cause of their rejoicing! The psalmist here is a thermostat! He has set the temperature at hope in God… and the people around him rise to the temperature and rejoice as a result!
So whether you’re at home with your family, or you’re at work with your coworkers, or you’re out with your friends…
Cities Church, I exhort you: Be a thermostat, not a thermometer! Don’t simply adjust to the temperature of the room, set the temperature. Hope in God’s word, that others would see you and rejoice!
And this reminds us of our need to confess our sins.
Prayer of Confession
Heavenly Father, we confess that more often than not we simply adjust to the temperature of the world around us. If people around us are bitter, or cynical, or ignore your existence. So often, we simply follow suit.
You have caused us to be lights in this world, but so often our light is barely visible. You have called us to be an example of godliness to the people around us, but so often our lives are indistinguishable from the world around us.
We have sinned against you in thought, in word, and in deed, and so we ask Lord for grace. Do not deal with us according to our sin, but deal with us according to your steadfast love we pray. And guide us now, by your Spirit, in this time of silent confession…
