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“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world… “Philippians 2:14-15

I’m a cold-natured person—I always seem to be freezing. When we moved to Florida, I was so excited to bask in the year-round warmth. It didn’t even dawn on me that because it’s often hot outside, everywhere you go has the AC blasting. Thermostats are set to “brrrr”—so, no matter the month, my daily wardrobe includes a sweater. I must respond to the environment. Only in my own home do I get some control over the temperature. With power over the thermostat, I can set it on “ahhhh”.

This creates a great analogy for the Christian life: Do we respond to the various environments around us by accepting the temperature in the room that reflects worldly ways and attitudes? Or do we live like a thermostat, creating a God-glorifying environment that is noticeable to others (and may even change their behavior)?

Actually, the Bible has a lot to say about thermostat living—about creating a temperature around us that reflects and honors the Lord. First, there are words we ought to use—and not use. In Proverbs, we’re reminded that a soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (15:1) and that gracious words are sweetness to the soul (16:24). King Solomon (the author) even warns us that death and life are in the power of the tongue (18:21). New Testament authors also share hard truths about our speech—the Apostle Paul lists for us how to talk (Colossians 4:6; Ephesians 4:29)…and how not to talk (Ephesians 5:4; Colossians 3:8; Philippians 2:14). And James spends most of chapter 3 cataloging the power of the tongue.

It’s not just our words, though. The Bible gives us solid direction on the right attitude settings for our thermostat. We’re to keep our eyes on the Lord, remembering His steadfast faithfulness and standing firm on His promises so that our glances around at this broken world do not break us. Because our thoughts inform our emotions, which produce our actions, we’re to keep our mind focused on what is honorable, right, pure, and excellent (Philippians 4:8). Throughout each day, we’re to exude the Spiritual fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). We rejoice in all circumstances (even in pain, persecution, and our proverbial prisons)…letting our gentle spirit be what everyone sees (Philippians 4:4).

These exhortations make up the ideal setting (tap-tap-tap—is this thing working?). Yup, it never ceases to amaze me how often I’m just a thermometer in my life, responding in frustration or anger, saying and doing the things I hate—and not saying/doing what I know I should (Romans 7:15-20).

But we cannot strive in our own power to live the thermostat life! Praise God, we believers have the Holy Spirit living in us, available to empower us to live God’s way (when we yield to Him). And, friend, in this fallen, dark world full of broken people, we must set the temperature to “hope”! Through the grace we received in Christ Jesus, we’ve been changed, transformed from the darkness of this world to something new—to light and life! And everywhere we go, the temperature should change!

Every day (at work, in school, at the grocery store) is an opportunity to move the proverbial dial. We can set the temperature instead of setting our own attitude to match the situation around us. Are your coworkers griping? Don’t play along—shift the conversation. Waitress cranky? Sincerely ask how she’s doing—and ask how you can pray for her. Conversation heating up, with rising volume? Answer softly with a desire to understand. Getting worked up in anger or envy while scrolling through your socials? Shut ‘er down and look up in praise and thanksgiving for all the Lord has done.

Preachin’ to myself here, but I want to set the thermostat so that the way I live (my attitude, words, and actions) points others to a loving and holy God (Matthew 5:16). It’s so easy to fall right into the temperature of the room—to be part of the crowd, accepting the cold and putting on a sweater. Instead, let’s set the temp and tone for those around us. As we click the dial to “Glorify the Lord”, we’ll shift the whole environment, creating a noticeable change that just might change lives forever.

“Lord, may I consistently talk and act in a way that reflects who I am in You, setting a temperature for others that points them to You.”

 For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith (encouraged by grace series)
TRBC Women’s Life