Living With Your FamilySample

THERMOMETER OR THERMOSTAT?

I know that right now you’ve been cooped up inside for way too long and are dying to get out. Also, during this time you’ve been surrounded by your family pretty non-stop. For some of you that’s been generally awesome! For others…well, let’s just say it’s been less than awesome. The thing about God is that he knew managing our family relationships would be tricky sometimes. We can look all the way back to the time of Moses where God says to honor your father and mother…God was so passionate about this that he included it in the Ten Commandments. We all know that sometimes family members can get on each other’s nerves, and sometimes that frustration boils over into pretty ugly moments. But, I think it’s important to know that God has placed each one of us with our family not by accident, but for a purpose.

Now, many of you may have heard the thermometer vs. thermostat analogy before, but I think that this may apply in our families now more than ever. Think about it…when you have a thermometer it just sits there. The only thing that is does is let you know what the temperature is. Other than that, there’s really not a ton going on there…it’s completely passive. On the other hand, there’s the thermostat. This actually changes the temperature. It does something; there is action behind it. And if you grew up in the desert like I did, then you know sometimes you have to work hard to change the temperature like thermostats do in the summer. 

So, during this time stuck at home with your family, I believe it’s time for us to take action. Be a thermostat in your home. Don’t just sit there and reflect the temperature around you…be the one who changes it. This may mean spending intentional time with your family instead of just hiding out in your room. It could be reading a devotional together or simply praying for each person in your house. It could be something simple like doing the dishes or taking out the trash…finding some practical way to serve your family. However you take action in your family, just realize that you have the power to change the temperature in your home. The real question is, will you do it?