THERMOMETERS AND THERMOSTATS
Thermometers and thermostats have related, but quite different functions. Both have to do with how hot or cold a place is. Similarity ends right about there. A thermometer merely reflects its surroundings; it does nothing to influence them. A thermostat seeks to regulate rather than imitate, turning on the furnace or the air conditioner according to the need. A good question for a church to ask and for individual Christians to ask is this: “Are we thermometers or thermostats?” Every year churches have to deal some way with finances, hoping to finish the year solvent and raise enough money for the year to come. Every year thermometer-based talk tends to take over: “The economy sure hasn’t done very well. Folks just aren’t getting raises this year. United Ways have a tough time making their goal.” Thermometers do one thing very well. They report conditions of the moment. What they don’t do well is affect the future, except maybe negatively, with self-fulfilling…
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