Living in a tropical climate differs significantly from living in a temperate climate. The most obvious is the temperature and its fluctuations. I often chuckle at the weather reports in Nevis, for example, where today has a high of 80 degrees and a low of 76, while Washington, D.C., is fluctuating with a high of 53 and a low of 29. For this reason, weather reports in the tropics are uneventful and boring unless a hurricane is approaching. This is not a complaint about boring weather reports. In this case, boring is good.
But while there is no need in the tropics to kindle a fireplace or to turn on the heat, it is often necessary to turn on the A/C. I’ve received complaints when the church’s sanctuary is deemed too hot and, even when it is determined to be too cold, because the temperature has dropped too much, in someone’s opinion. In such cases, someone adjusts the vital component we know as the thermostat. This device doesn’t report environmental status; it regulates temperature.
We live in a world where various situations are not to our liking, whether at home, at school, at work, at church, or in society at large. We can choose to report, comment on, or lament what is happening. In such a case, we would be like a thermometer, helping indicate the temperature so we can respond and adjust accordingly. But it does not change the situation.
However, what is far more impactful and rewarding is to be like a thermostat that counteracts undesirable conditions, driving change and making it more comfortable for all.
This is precisely what Jesus was exhorting His disciples to be in the Sermon on the Mount when He said in Matthew 5:13 and 14, ‘Ye are the salt of the earth…’, ‘Ye are the light of the world.’ The expectation is to be a change agent, addressing blandness and darkness by bringing seasoning and light.
These verses clearly acknowledge that our world has problems. It’s easy to complain about it, but it takes a different mindset to take action on what is not right. However, when the right action is taken, the result is a lasting impact that brings glory to God.
So, remember, it’s okay to report. But don’t stop there. Take the report and go one step further. Do something about it. Be a thermostat!