When I meet people who have lived overseas, I ask what they noticed about our culture upon their return to our country. Some appreciate our culture’s energy and can-do spirit, while others lament our individuality and lack of social interaction. Every culture has strengths and weaknesses, but we can help shape the culture that shapes us.
When Daniel and his friends were carted off to Babylon, they could have gone along with whatever their leaders imposed (Daniel 1:3). They could have become thermometers that reflected the temperature of their culture. Instead, they chose to become thermostats that raised the temperature. Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the king’s food, and his three friends declared they wouldn’t bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar’s idol (Daniel 3:16-18). Their faithful witness had a profound effect on the king, among others.
Are you a thermometer or a thermostat? Consider the values of the five people you spend the most time with, and you’ll likely see your own. We must carefully choose our friends, for “bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
And yet, the Spirit of God working in and through us can influence the temperature of our friends. When they invite us to watch something inappropriate, we can suggest a healthier alternative. When they talk disparagingly about someone or something, we can choose to speak positively. And when they pile up debt to finance their latest impulse, we can encourage them to save and find ways to hang out that don’t cost money.
We’re called to be thermostats, not thermometers. God graciously gives us His love and wisdom. By His power, may we raise the spiritual temperature around us.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 5:31-48
More:
Read 2 Timothy 3:1-17 to learn how to raise rather than reflect the spiritual temperature of your culture.
Next:
How have you influenced your family and friends for good? How have you allowed them to drag you down? How has God equipped you to turn up the spiritual temperature around you?
Gary Shultz on June 30, 2016 at 6:18 am
Interesting Mike, a thermostat takes an energy source to function and make changes. Some thermometers use a little or no energy to display or retrieve info, but they do not change anything. In the case of the picture no energy is required, no presets, no function, just going with the ambient. So if we were to be like the thermostat, it requires thought and direction, a preset or two and energy is supplied to allow it to make those changes of much bigger consequence down stream. I guess we all need to be in the heating and cooling business. Thanks Mike.
Mike Wittmer on June 30, 2016 at 8:01 am
You took this illustration even further, Gary. Thanks! You’re right–being a thermostat takes planning and purpose. A thermostat that simply goes with the flow is nothing more than a thermometer.
jef on June 30, 2016 at 8:31 am
We don’t have the sway in worldly matters for we are a minority ( broad and narrow gate ) but we’re called to be salt and light just like Daniel. A frog placed in hot water will quickly leap out. When the same frog is placed in cold water and the temperature is gradually increased it won’t jump out but will die inside the hot water. Christianity basics are simply black and white, gray areas appear when we begin rationalising issues.
Tom Felten on June 30, 2016 at 9:27 am
Good reminder about “bringing up the heat” in our friendships, Mike. It caused me to think about how I’m bringing the warmth and reality of Jesus to my relationships. As you mentioned, it’s vital for us to choose our friends wisely, but it’s also vital for us bring the beauty of Christ to our friends. I’m so grateful for the Holy Spirit working in and through us to make this a reality. May we submit to the Spirit’s leading today!
godlove on June 30, 2016 at 12:14 pm
If I’m completely honest, I would admit that it has been extremely difficult for me to resist being a thermometer. Growing up, I was always reminded of the words of 1 Corinthians 15:33 and the dangers of having “bad” friends, but I strangely developed great friendships with many who didn’t have the same beliefs and principles as me. The negative peer pressure of friends has been really difficult for me, sometimes it was a tough personal battle to avoid being swayed from the Truth. I thank God for the human family into which I was born, without my mum’s incitation I would have been carried away by the waves of worldly passions way long ago. Today, I’m quite happy that the Spirit has worked through me, through many years of friendship, making me a good example recognised by my friends, who sometimes come to me for spiritual matters. May the Lord help us as we try everyday to be a good influence and also keep us from being swayed away. Thanks for this very important reminder, Mike.
lodiglo43 on June 30, 2016 at 10:35 pm
Amen