Are you a THERMOSTAT or a THERMOMETER? There is a big difference in the 2 functions of a Thermostat and a Thermometer.

Thermometers just read the temperature of the environment, but it has no power to change it.  I think there are some people like that, they are quick to say what needs to be done, what needs to happen, how things should be, but lack the ability to really create change.  Just watch a football game with some fanatic.  They will scream and yell at the coaches and players about what they should do and how to play the game, even though they aren’t on the field doing it themselves.  I call them “Couch Coaches”.  They “think” they know EVERYTHING about how to play the game.  I have never heard a “Couch Coach” say, “I would have called that wrong too.” No, they scream and yell at the players and coaches and call them, “idiots” thinking they know EVERYTHING there is to know about EVERY decision that should be made.  You would think these “Couch Coaches” could lead ANY team to the Superbowl under their amazing leadership and skills.  But the reality is they have no clue what it takes to be on that field in the midst of the pressure and the focus.  Too many people just point out the obvious but never step up to do something about it.  If you see a need don’t be a thermometer and just point out the need, step up and meet the need.  Thermometers only read the situation they don’t change the situation.

Thermostats have the ability to change the temperature of the environment.  Thermostats adjust to the situation and create change.  We need to be more like a Thermostat, having the ability to step up and change our surroundings.  Thermostats read the situation and then do what needs to be done.  Thermostat type people walk into a room and look around to see what needs to be done.  They are the type of people who are willing to be used.  They do not sit on the side lines and scream, they jump in the game with the team.  Their motto is: If I don’t step up and do something who will? If someone is going to change this, it ought to be me!!! That is the talk of a thermostat.

So what areas of your life do you need to turn up the heat and become a Thermostat? Is if your family, is it your job, is it your friends? Is is your church?

3 Ways To Live A Thermostat-Type Life

1. Don’t Be Controlled By Others – don’t let others set your temperature.  You can’t choose what happens to you, but you can choose what happens in you.  Be in control of your emotions and dreams, don’t let others determine your well-being.

2. Don’t Be Controlled By Situations – just because things are not turning out the way you want does not mean all is lost.  Make the most of every situation.  John Wooden said, “Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.”

3. Don’t Be Controlled By Fear – fear paralyzes us.  It causes us to become immobile.  Fear makes us indecisive and confused.  God is not the author of fear.  Make your courage and your faith bigger than your fear.  Remember courage is not the absence of fear, but the moving ahead in spite of it.  We all have fears, but don’t let them control your destiny and calling.