HE HAD LEARNED to be content, not in the sense of allowing himself to be content, but in the sense of being enough in himself for Christ was with him. The apostle was not limited to situations. Learning to be content did not mean lack of interest or commitment to progress and growth. It is not the situations that were going to define his temperature; it was Paul who would impose the temperature of the environment.
The thermometer is an instrument used to measure the temperature of the environment around it so that it adapts to its environment. Mercury or alcohol contracts or dilates, marking the cold or heat, doing absolutely nothing to change the things around it. It only has the ability to measure; it does not influence or modify. It is resigned to considering events and circumstances as a simple spectator. Its main virtue and purpose are to inform.
On the other hand, the thermostat is a device that, connected to a source of heat radiators, air conditioners, and so on, has the ability to regulate the temperature automatically, preventing it from going up or down from the appropriate level. In other words, it has the virtue of transforming the temperature of its environment to the necessary level and enough for everything around it to work perfectly. It is not a mere spectator, but an active protagonist. Its main virtue and purpose are to maintain the temperature or transform the environment.
Many are like the thermometer. They just think, talk, report, and do nothing to change history.
Many are like the thermostat. They are not subject to the circumstances of the environment; they are always content, self-sufficient in Christ, and instruments to transform the environment.
They are like salt that gives flavor or like light that illuminates the darkness. Accord ing to Paul, the thermostat believer is never disturbed or transformed by the world; rather, he or she transforms it, and if necessary, upsets it, always for good.
Ellen G. White referred to these thermostat believers in this way:
Those who love God, have the seal of God in their foreheads, and work the works of God. . . . They would have a powerful influence upon the life and character of those around them, which would work as leaven amid the mass of humanity, transforming others through the power of Jesus Christ. Connected with the Source of power, they would never lose their vital influence, but would ever increase in efficiency (Sons and Daughters of God, p. 51).
Like Paul, be a leading, active, and transformative thermostat.
