“Characteristics of a Thermostatic Christian” (Part Three)

This week, we are considering what it means to be a thermostatic Christian, whose life is marked by the control and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Monday and Tuesday, we saw four different qualities of such living, in that we will be purposeful, pliable, peaceful and persistent. Today we add conclude by adding two more of these characteristics…

Pleasant

Genuinely happy and cheerful; able to generate the confidence and affection of others. Why? Because the joy of the Lord is our strength! As this element of the fruit of the Spirit (joy) energizes our living, we are able to put Christ on display in a way that is winsome and attractive to a world in despair.

• Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed. (1 Tim.6:18-19)
• Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4)
• But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. (1 Tim.1:5)

Positive

As “pleasant” speaks of the essence of joy, positive reflects a heart and life of hope. In the chaos and confusion of life, we are not fearful or filled with anxiety, but displaying—and living—confident faith in God. That is what hope is all about!

• We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him. (1 John 5:18)
• For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. (2 Tim.1:7)
• You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4).

What is the key? Trust in God, reliance upon is wisdom, and a willing heart! Then, we can escape the roller coaster of erratic extremes, and enjoy the confident stability that is the result of the God of all peace being at work in our lives. And, the result will be what Paul called us to in Ephesians 5:17-18, where we live under control—the control of the Holy Spirit.

So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit… (Eph.5:17-18)