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Thermostat vs. Thermometer

If you’ve ever had your thermostat break in the middle of winter, you know how important it is to daily life. It determines the temperature of a room despite the conditions outside. A thermometer, however, is different. It simply reacts to the environment instead of changing it.

Think about this in reference to your relationships. You probably know people who are like a thermostat, don’t you? They are the kind of people who influence the room they are in. You also most likely know a thermometer: someone who reacts strongly and emotionally to his or her environment.

For the sake of this conversation, think about thermostats as people who lead and influence their relationships toward Jesus. And think about thermometers as people who let their emotions control how they react to problems. Honestly, it’s easier to be a thermometer because it can feel better to express whatever emotions we are feeling. It is more comfortable and requires less intentionality.

In Ephesians 4:26-27, Paul talks about this idea when he says not to let the sun go down when we are angry. He says not to let the devil have a foothold. Dwelling on the actions of others only results in thermometer-style interactions. Reacting angrily when people annoy us, or even when we see injustice in the world, is less effective than being proactive about transforming our friends or culture.

So, if we are called to be thermostats, what does that look like? It means that we approach conflict calmly and not angrily. It means that we realize we are leaders and are aware of how we can influence other people for the good of the Kingdom. Thermostats keep the devil from entering their relationships because they do not let issues fester. Instead, they are intentional about being a leader who sets the temperature of the relationship.

If you are following Jesus, how can you be the thermostat in your relationships instead of a thermometer? How can you be a leader who approaches conflict and issues in ways that move people closer to Jesus?