Influencing the Atmosphere Around You

Are you a thermometer or a thermostat? Perhaps neither is wrong in and of itself but understanding the distinction can profoundly impact how we navigate our interactions and influence the situations in which we find ourselves.

Imagine walking into a room where the atmosphere is tense and gloomy. Thermometers, akin to mirrors, merely reflect the prevailing mood. They absorb the negativity, mirroring it back into the room, perpetuating the cycle of negativity and discord. Their responses are reactionary, guided solely by external stimuli, without the capacity or desire to effect change.

Contrast this with thermostats, the catalysts for transformation. Instead of passively reflecting the environment, “thermostat” people actively regulate it. Like skilled conductors orchestrating a symphony, they possess the power to set the tone and mood of a room. Thermostats are not swayed by the prevailing atmosphere; rather, they influence it positively, fostering harmony and upliftment.

In a world fraught with uncertainty and turmoil, the need for “thermostats” has never been greater. By embodying the qualities of a thermostat, individuals can become beacons of hope and agents of change in their communities and beyond. Through their actions and attitudes, they have the power to create ripple effects of positivity, transforming even the most challenging environments into havens of peace and harmony.

The choice between being a thermometer or a thermostat lies within each of us. Will we either passively reflect the prevailing mood, or will we actively shape it? Let us strive to be thermostats, igniting flames of Christ wherever we go and leaving a legacy of love and light in our wake.

“In view of this,” the apostle Paul wrote, “I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before man.”