Be a Thermostat

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Are you a peace keeper or a peacemaker? A peace keeper avoids conflict at all cost and is passive in their interactions with others. A peacemaker, on the other hand, takes active steps to create peace where there is none. In his book Access and Release God’s Peace, Paul Martini says the difference between the two is like the difference between a thermometer and a thermostat:

“We can be either a thermostat or a thermometer. Thermometers tell the temperature and climate of a room, but thermostats actually change the temperature and set the climate of a room. Think of the fruit of peace working in you and through you as something that strengthens your thermostat capabilities – your ability to change an environment. As thermostats, we can confront real-life circumstances and choose to express peace until the environment matches what is inside of us... It is impossible to be a peacemaker, at least the way Jesus intended it, without the Prince of Peace taking up residence in our souls. We must stay connected to Jesus and choose to be bold and fearless in peace if we are to grow in peace and strengthen our thermostat capabilities.” (Pages 53-54)

How do we do this?

First, believe that Christ is alive and wants to help you. Pray repeatedly the simple prayer of St. Faustina: “Jesus, I trust in You.”

Next, look for ways to be proactive in creating peace. In times of trouble, maybe you need to leave the room for a moment. Ask Christ to calm your nerves and help you find a way to express your feelings without attacking the other. Ask Him to help you listen with an understanding heart. Ask Him to help you be compassionate instead of judgmental. Ask Him to help you offer His love to the other. Also, God designed each of us to feel better with specific activities like digging in the garden, writing in a journal, or going for a walk or bike ride. Doing this helps you blow off steam and organize your thoughts. Then, ask Christ to show you a peaceful solution. 

Also, a dear friend once told me: “Take ten minutes to just sit and praise Jesus. Just ten minutes of praise. Then ask Him, ‘How do You want me to handle this?’ Write down everything that comes to mind. Don’t try to force it or edit it. Just write down what comes to mind. That’s how Jesus speaks to you.” When you’re faced with a dilemma or difficulty, follow my friend’s advice. Praise Him, and then write down what He says to you. He wants to help you.

Instead of passively waiting for peace to happen, let’s strive to create peace where there is none. Let’s be bold thermostats. Let’s be proactive in bringing Christ’s peace to ourselves and to our world.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9

“Enlighten me, Lord, so that I may know how to bring Your peace to every situation.”

Thank you for reading my reflection. © 2024 Gina Bedell     Comments are always welcome! 

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P.S.

Pray for peace at home, in Ukraine, Russia, the Middle East, and around the world. Donate toward a cause that tugs at your heart. Take care of those around you; take care of our planet. Pray for the families around the globe whose lives have been torn apart by war and natural disasters.