Be the Thermostat, Not the Thermometer: Embracing God’s Strength in the Pressures of Life
There are two types of people in life: thermometers and thermostats. A thermometer simply reflects the environment around it, reacting to the temperature. A thermostat, however, sets the temperature and influences its surroundings. Being a thermostat means being a leader, a guide, and a source of stability and direction. But what does that look like in everyday life? And what happens when the pressures of being a thermostat overwhelm you?
What Being a Thermostat Looks Like
Being a thermostat can show up in countless ways—stepping up as the voice of reason in a chaotic situation, encouraging your family to pursue God’s Word during trying times, or leading your workplace in integrity when others cut corners. It’s about setting the tone, walking in faith, and influencing others with love and truth rather than being influenced by negativity or chaos.
But this kind of leadership can come with challenges, especially for those who struggle with unresolved trauma, self-doubt, or perfectionism. The pressure of always “having it together” can become suffocating if you rely solely on your own strength.
The Pressure of the Thermostat
If you’re a thermostat who carries unresolved trauma, you may already feel the weight of perfectionism and the fear of letting others down. I know this weight because I’ve carried it. For years, I habitually self-sabotaged—letting doubt creep in and dialing down my thermostat when I didn’t feel “good enough.”
As Ed Mylett says in The Power of One More:
“When you self-sabotage, you dial down your thermostat and deny yourself the bliss that was headed into your life.”
This hit me hard because I’ve lived it. My programming—those deep-seated beliefs shaped by past wounds and the whispers of the enemy—led me to question my worth and shrink from opportunities. I’ve allowed the words of others and my own self-doubt to dictate my actions more than God’s truth.
But God didn’t call us to carry the weight of the world alone. He called us to rely on His strength.
God’s Grace for the Thermostat
The truth is, you can’t be the thermostat God has called you to be if you’re relying on your own strength. Scripture reminds us:
“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” —2 Corinthians 12:9
When we operate as thermostats in full faith, we may be misunderstood, judged, or even rejected by those closest to us. Jesus Himself experienced this. In Matthew 13:57, we see how even in His hometown, Jesus was not fully accepted:
“A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.”
Walking in faith means trusting God’s calling, even when others don’t understand it. It’s about leaning into His strength, not ours, and allowing Him to sustain us when the pressure feels too great.
Healing the Thermostat Within
For those of us who carry emotional wounds or unresolved trauma, becoming the thermostat God designed us to be starts with healing. We must identify the lies of the enemy—whether they come from others or our own internal critic—and replace them with God’s truth.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” —Psalm 147:3
Give God your mental wounds. Bind them up with prayer and Scripture. Ask Him to clarify the voices you hear and remind you of who you are in Christ. You are not the sum of your failures or the opinions of others. You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).
Walking in Your Calling as a Thermostat
As you begin to heal and rely on God’s strength, you’ll find that being a thermostat becomes less about perfection and more about consistency. Consistency in faith, in action, and in trust.
This journey isn’t easy, and at times, it may feel lonely. But remember, God is always with you, and He will lead you to the right people—other thermostats—who will walk alongside you. Until then, don’t dial down your thermostat for anyone. You were created to influence and inspire.
Practical Tools for Thermostat Living
Daily Prayer and Scripture: Spend time in God’s Word to reset your mindset each day.
Journaling: Reflect on what’s holding you back and what truths God is revealing to you.
Community: Surround yourself with people who encourage you to stay aligned with God’s purpose.
Affirmations: Replace self-sabotaging thoughts with affirmations grounded in Scripture. For example:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” —Philippians 4:13
“I am chosen and appointed to bear fruit.” —John 15:16
Final Thoughts
Being a thermostat is not easy, but it is rewarding. Through God’s strength, you can influence your environment, inspire others, and confidently walk in your calling. Stop relying on your own strength, and let God lead you to places you never imagined. He can take what the world sees as broken and turn it into something beautiful and powerful for His glory.
References
Mylett, E. (2022). The Power of One More: The Ultimate Guide to Happiness and Success. Wiley.
The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV).
Action Step: Write down one area of your life where you’ve been dialing down your thermostat. Pray over it, journal your thoughts, and ask God to reveal how He wants to use you in this area. Then, take one bold step forward this week.
