Spiritual thermostats

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might Ecclesiastes 9: 10

An unfortunate side effect of doing great things with God rather than for God can be a tendency to sit around waiting for ‘instructions’ from God. This leads to spiritual paralysis. God knows our schedules and the things we have to do whether it be work, domestic duties, care for the family and so on. What God wants is an ear tuned to him throughout our day and a heart set to be obedient to do those things that he may call us to which come across our path.

Helen Keller the lady born blind and deaf who so successfully championed women’s rights told the Tennessee Legislature that when she was young, she longed to do great things and could not because of her disabilities; so she decided to do small things in a great way. That is a fantastic attitude. If we want to do great things with God, the way we do the small things will pave the path for greater things.

 The way we do our job, how we drive the car, the way we talk, our attitude to the washing up and other less interesting tasks will train us for anything God wants us to do. This verse from Ecclesiastes encourages us that no matter what is before us, let’s do it with might or excellence.

Our attitude should be that today is full of possibilities. We love to please God more than people and we know that our prayers are making a difference. We have a good attitude to those in authority over us and try our best to be punctual and give our best effort is what we are doing.  We are enthusiastic and a source of encouragement to those round us.

 Steve Backlund says we should be spiritual thermostats not spiritual thermometers. Spiritual thermometers merely reflect the current spiritual temperature. Spiritual thermostats set the spiritual temperature. We can too easily fall into what is happening around us, going with the flow but spiritual thermostats change things. They raise the bar in terms of expectations and attitudes and it is amazing how often people will rise to it.

One of the clubs we play bowls against has a captain who likes to tell dubious jokes in his little half time talk. By gentle persuasion, not criticism or judgement, we have managed to get him to tell less smutty jokes. It is a small thing but it changes the temperature. Excellent attitudes at work encourage others to the same higher levels. Less excessive eating and drinking habits encourage others not to over indulge either and not swearing can have an amazing effect on the people around us.

We really can change the spiritual temperature with excellent attitudes in the small things of life and as we keep busy doing what is before us, God will surprise us with the opportunities he opens up to do great things with him.