By Harold Keller – Get High on Life

At one of our regular weekly Bible studies, the moderator asked the question: “As you go through life, are you a thermostat or a thermometer?”

That question was asked to stimulate debate and it certainly served its purpose. As a thermostat, you’re the vessel that regulates the flow or temperature of society. A thermometer, on the other hand, only registers the temperature or flow.

As each man shared, most admitted that they acted as a thermometer. A few viewed themselves as both, depending on the situation. One man said, jokingly, that he saw himself as a broken thermostat. (As a point of information, a broken thermostat is of no use.)

The meeting continued, and it seemed that all understood the functions of both. Many good thoughts were shared, but for some reason, the meeting had more of a secular than a spiritual meeting, which is usually experienced at these meetings.

After about 40 minutes into the meeting, the moderator said, “It looks like this meeting is really not that spiritual.” I agreed. It was then that one man said, “I think we all would like to act like a thermostat, but refuse to take the leadership role.” We’d rather talk about the condition (or temperature) of society than take the role as a pace-setter (or thermostat).

At this point, it was shared that a thermostat is useless unless it’s plugged into the power supply. Wow! What a revelation!

As a Christian, our power comes from God. When we’re not plugged into Him, we can control the thermostat as much as we want, without any results. Christians should all act as a thermostat and set the standards for a lost world. The problem today is that the majority of Christians are satisfied to only act as a thermometer – taking the temperature and going with the flow.

I’m reminded of a quote by Ordway Tead from “The Art of Leadership” –

“A quality which is prominent in every leader is a strongly developed sense of dominant purpose and direction in life. He is one who knows with greater than average strength of conviction what he wants to get done and where he wants to go. The world stands aside to let pass the man who knows where he is going.”

If you desire an exciting, productive life, I challenge you to act as thermostat – be a leader.

HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational organization. Call him at (985) 652-8477 or write him at P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084.