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Thermometer Or Thermostat?
To exclaim, "Man, it's cold!" on these shivering
winter mornings doesn't alter the fact; it merely
emphasizes it! This is similar to a thermometer except
for one thing-the thermometer tells you exactly how
cold it is. It does nothing about the frigid
condition. It simply describes it in terms of degrees,
which is of little benefit as for as comfort is
concerned.
On the other hand, a thermostat, along with
registering the temperature, also takes steps toward
controlling and regulating it. This delicate
instrument is not only a thermometer; it is quite a
bit more! Instead of declaring the obvious and letting
things go at that, the "highly sensitive" inner
equipment begins to "call" for heat at the first
chilly breeze. Inside the unit there is a stabilizing
mechanism which refuses to conform to the surrounding
atmospheric conditions, demanding an immediate return
to the "norm." Though it isn't a noisy operation,
every volt of its "power" is called into use and an
urgent "call" for heat goes forth without ceasing.
Soon, heat is on its way and conditions returning to
normal.
That conditions in this day are cold, spiritually
speaking, none can deny! Every true child of God is
fully aware of this very obvious fact. But, the
question is: Are we content to denounce the cold? Is
the limit of our function to stand brazen and rigid,
loudly declaring that everything is frozen and frigid?
Or, can we stoop to the needed task of "kindling" a
fire? Which are we, spiritually speaking, thermometers
or thermostats?
Of course, there is another vital point to consider. A
disconnected thermostat is quite useless. It may go
through the motions, give on accurate reading of the
temperature, and even emit urgent "calls" for heat,
but it's all to no avail. Without the proper
"connections" with the source of the heat, the
thermostat can do nothing about the conditions. All of
which reminds us of something Jesus said: "Without me,
ye can do nothing!" If it is cold in your immediate
area, you might follow the apostle's admonition:
"Examine yourselves if the inner equipment is in
working order and properly adjusted, check your
"connections" with the Source. Like a thermostat, you
cannot provide the heat; you only "call" on the
Source.
If you are properly "hooked up," the Source will
respond! No doubt about that. But, without Him, we can
do nothing about the frigid condition!
Furthermore, let us also acknowledge the warmth of
God's fire as it touches our lives. One can become so
engrossed in denouncing the cold that he ignores the
fire from heaven's hearth! Even a good thermostat
recognizes the heat when it comes. Can we do less?
Thank God for the spiritual thermostats that are in
this world! Would it not be a cold, dreary planet
without them? Many are they who curse the cold; few
are they who ignite the fires that provide heaven's
holy heat!
Which are you-thermometer or thermostat?