E C ,E C ♦S 20, 2018

Christianity. I saw several important items worth mentioning. For those in

THERMOMETERS & THERMOSTATS
As a child, every time I acted puny, my mother would
use her thermometer to get a read on me. That
thermometer was always right, and Mom always
responded based on the reading. When outside the
norm, the obligatory visit to the doctor’s office came to
provide for a diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately,
the solution to my illness always seemed to come from
the business end of a needle.
A thermometer is useful. It measures temperature and
helps to identify if something is “running along” at its
Dr. David Fleming optimal temperature. It can’t change or regulate
Leadership temperatures, but it gives an accurate reading. Also
Development Director useful is a thermostat. Based on programmed
measurements, it determines if the thermometer’s
readings require adjustments and if so, it makes the appropriate changes.
I’ve read leadership articles that cite value of thermostats over thermometers.
I think the authors are missing something. One is not more important than
the other. Thermometers and thermostats are equally important, and
they depend on each other. Action is called for when readings are outside
the desired range programmed into a thermostat. However, simply turning
machinery on and off without an accurate temperature will not correct the
issue.
Recently, I was looking through the Religious Landscape Study published
by the Pew Research Center for trends and figures regarding American
the survey group, an absolute belief in God is steadily declining. The
importance of worship, prayer and other elements of faith is also steadily
declining. The survey compares to a thermometer. It is imperative as
believers that we set our thermostat to respond with an action plan to
America’s culture.
How should we respond? Let me suggest
working together to make the church
stronger. From 1 Corinthians 12, here are four
thermostat settings that will help regulate the
temperature of your church and our nation:
1. Rest in God’s design for your life. God’s
design is for complementary parts that
work together.
2. Be confident that the Spirit forms us into one body. Since the Spirit of
God does not sow division, keep your focus on what unites.
3. Live out of how God has made you. We are unique parts with unique
purposes. When we live like we were made, it works. We fall when we
desire something else.
4. Fulfill your part in the Great Commission. Be a disciple who makes
disciples. No matter your place in Christ’s body, change the atmosphere
around you by leading in evangelism and discipleship.
Live with Joy,
David Fleming

Annual
Gospel Sing

featuring Terry Veazey and Calvary’s Call

October 7 • 6:00 pm • Ridgecrest Baptist 5260 Vaughn Rd Ticket Info: Call 334-272-0604 ext. 214 or ext. 210
A love offering will be accepted. https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1731115

All are Welcome Gosp_l Musi]

to Honor and Celebrate @rtist
M[rk L[ni_r
Pastor J. Warren Culver In Con]_rt

As He Retires from 45 Years S_pt_m\_r 23

of Full-Time Ministry 5:30 pm

Sunday, September 30, 2018 Catoma Baptist Church

4300 Old Selma Road, Montgomery
Capitol Heights Baptist Church
Service at 10:30 am A fellowship will follow the
concert in the activity center.
Retirement Reception in the
Church Fellowship Hall A love offering will be accepted.
4:00 to 6:00 pm
The Montgomery Baptist Association • 20 Interstate Park Dr. • Montgomery, Alabama 36109 • 334-271-6227 • www.mgmbaptists.org
This publication is made possible by your churches’ contributions to Associational Missions.