Thermostats set temperature, whereas thermometers measure temperature. Even though both thermostats and thermometers deal in monitoring temperature, they are used in very different ways.
During the COVID
pandemic, one of the common tests to measure body temperature involved using a
thermometer. If your body temperature was elevated above the normal 98.8
degrees, you were “running a fever” --one of the signs of a potential
virus. The thermometer provides vital
information concerning one’s health by measuring the temperature.
A thermostat, on the
other hand, helps regulate the temperature. When the weather changes, we use
the thermostat connected to our central air and heat unit to regulate the
temperature in our home. The thermostat is critical to helping us change the
temperature to be comfortable. It helps us to be more proactive in controlling
a desired temperature.
In life, there are times
we need to be a thermometer and times we need to be a thermostat. As a thermometer,
we observe what others are thinking, what they are saying, and how they are
reacting. We gauge the temperature of our surroundings. As a thermostat,
though, we regulate the temperature. When the temperature is rising around us,
we can be the thermometer to have positive influence.
When we feel tension
from players and coaches, we need to be able to measure the degree to which the
“temperature” is rising. Then, we need to be the thermostat that regulates the
temperature and comfortably handles the situation. How do we use our thermostat
to influence the temperature around us? (1) listen intently to coaches and crewmates,
(2) use positive verbal and non-verbal language when communicating, (3) be understanding
in difficult situations, and (4) display good character by doing the right
thing at the right time.
Paul encouraged “son in
faith” Timothy with these words in I Timothy 4:12, Don’t let anyone think
less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you
say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Paul
challenged Timothy to be a thermostat by being the example. Paul wanted Timothy to influence and impact the
world and not let the world set the temperature in his life. The world around us often sets the
temperature and we simply fit in, fly under the radar, and go with the ups and
downs of life. We merely live by the temperature set for us by others in our
culture. The challenge is for us to set
the temperature. How do we do that? Romans
12: 2, Do not conform 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."
A truly strong person
does not need the approval of others any more than a lion needs the approval of
sheep.
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