Millions have become energy conscious in recent years. Rising prices and shortages have made even the wealthy more sensitive. People are beginning to learn lessons in conservation they should have learned long ago.
Probably the most important symbol of energy use, other than the gasoline pump, is the thermostat. We generally set our thermostats and forget them. We adjust them mechanically with little thought of the marvels of modern engineering.
In the physical world, we are used to thermostats and other regulators that keep our furnaces, air conditioners, clocks, cars, and appliances running smoothly. Are we as concerned about spiritual regulators? Are we well regulated spiritually?
The church at Laodicea named in Revelation 3:15, 16 needed spiritual regulation. The Lord communicated, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.” Unlike lukewarm earthly heating systems, the Lord expects Christians to be hot, to be on fire for Him.
The Christian serves God fervently. Fervent means “fiery or hot.” “Fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11).
The Christian loves others fervently. “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently” (1 Peter 1:22).
The Christian prays fervently. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).
I found at least three spiritual thermostats that indicate spiritual warmth and indicate whether or not we are right with God.
PRAYER
Prayer is an act of devotion so easily explained but so poorly practiced. No, I don’t mean a hurried “Thank You, Lord, for this day, and for the food on the table,” nor do I mean, “Lord, help me to win friends and influence people.”
Prayer means talking to God as to a friend. We share with God our deepest needs and concerns. We share with Him how we feel about Him, praise for who He is and what He does. We ask Him to come into our lives and change us.
A weak or nonexistent prayer life is a sure indication of low spirituality or even no relationship with God. An active daily prayer life doesn’t mean we have arrived spiritually, but it does mean we are headed in the right direction.
BIBLE READING
Faithful Bible reading and study are far more than taking a Bible to church or even reading it on special occasions. Faithful Bible reading involves time and concentration. It makes us fervent in spirit. It is best done in the morning or at a time when we are wide awake and have enough time. Meaningful Bible reading is coupled with prayer, asking the Lord to show us truths to carry through the day and through life. Meaningful Bible reading is systematic, chapter by chapter and book by book.
The inspiration to spiritual dedication comes from the Bible as the Spirit of God shows us how to live out what we read.
OBEDIENCE
To be honest in prayer and Bible reading implies that we will hear what God will say to us. Obedience is a test of the genuineness of our profession of Christianity and all our religious activities.
“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him” (1 John 2:3, 5).
The Lord will show you through the Bible and through His Spirit how to know Jesus Christ and how to deal with life’s issues. Did you cheat on income taxes? He shows you, “Thou shall not steal.” You gave a false impression of the truth. The Lord showed you, “A faithful witness will not lie.” Perhaps you looked at a pornographic book or magazine. The Word of God came to you, “Flee also youthful lusts.” The Lord can also lead a person to a decision based on an application of a spiritual truth. Perhaps you see a command in the Bible that you are not obeying. God will show you what you need to do. Perhaps you see someone in need. You feel the urge to help. Perhaps you were planning a trip but something inside you keeps saying you should not go. Could that be the Lord warning you of some danger?
What is your spiritual temperature? Is your spiritual thermostat in operation? Are you a child of God, a disciple of Jesus Christ? Are you serving God obediently?
-by Roger L. Berry