Devotional: Control the Temperature Ephesians 4

“So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind” (Eph. 4:17, NASB).

I stop by the Taco Bell to get a burrito because I am diabetic and it has been several hours since I last ate anything. I do not want my blood sugar to drop too low. While eating my snack I observe a confrontation between two young ladies. One of the young ladies, apparently a customer, was angry because the other young lady, apparently an employee had asked her to show a receipt for her food. I overheard the customer using curse words and words that could be interpreted as threats of violence.

After eating I walk up to the customer. I say to her: “My name is Joseph and I am seventy-one years old and I would like to ask you a question. What is the difference between a thermometer and a thermostat?” The young lady knows that they have something to do with the temperature, but she does not know how each one works and what the difference between the two is. I explain that the thermometer responds to the temperature. The thermostat controls the temperature. I say to the young lady. “You should try to be a thermostat. You should not just respond out of your emotions to what another person says. You have the power to control the temperature.” You have the power to control what takes place in situations (that take place) in your life.

Paul writes to the church at Ephesus. The church is divided because there are Jews that want to hold to the Law. At the same time there are Gentiles that want to hold to their old way of life. They do not need to change because they are saved by grace and not by works.

Paul writes to tell the church that Christ has set them free from the Law and the desires of the flesh. God gives those that believe in Jesus the Holy Spirit so that Jews are free from the bondage of the Law and Gentiles are free from the bondage of the flesh. This bondage includes their way of thinking, acting, and behaviors that are contrary to the life that follows the mind and teaching of Jesus Christ.

You and I have been set free if indeed we believe in Jesus, and He indeed is our Lord. We are given knowledge by Jesus whose teaching is our guide; and road map for life. We are given power by the Holy Spirit to be thermostats. Life is an ever changing climate. The culture changes and circumstances change, but in Christ Jesus we have the power to be in control of how we live regardless of the environment in which we live.

Prayer: Father, we thank You for Your word and the power of the Holy Spirit. May we be faithful in being thermostats? Amen.