I want to talk to you about the barometer of your life for a few minutes: first, we will determine what that actually is, then we’ll discuss the different ‘barometric readings’ that are possible in the human life, and finally, we’ll try to determine what steps you need to take in order to set the ‘barometer’ of your life to the right pressure according to God’s standards. So let’s get into it.
First things first. What IS the ‘barometer of life’, and how do you go about getting an accurate reading from it? Let’s start with the correct definition of what a real ‘barometer’ is and how it is used.
A ‘barometer’, according to Webster’s dictionary, is an instrument for determining the pressure of the atmosphere and hence for assisting in forecasting weather. So let’s apply that to the human heart. In those terms, a ‘barometer’ would be an instrument that is used to accurately assess the condition of the individual in terms of their openness to giving: of themselves, as well as their resources. This information is useful for determining the likelihood of greed or covetousness being present in an individual’s life, as well as the likelihood of generosity being present.
So, let’s talk about some of the ways that we can represent Jesus, both the good ways AND the not-so-good ways. First, let’s look at the not-so-good. Below are listed some descriptive terms that represent the heart posture that doesn’t align with the heart of Jesus.
1) Selfish – seeking or concentrating on one’s own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others.
2) Greedy – having or showing a selfish desire for wealth and possessions.
3) Unforgiving – very harsh or difficult : not allowing weakness, error, etc.
4) Covetous – marked by inordinate desire for wealth or possessions or for another’s possessions.
5) Self-serving – serving one’s own interests often in disregard of the truth or the interests of others.
And, now, here are some descriptive terms for a good and proper heart posture that is endorsed by Jesus.
1) Generous – freely giving or sharing money and other valuable things.
2) Unselfish – having or showing more concern for other people than for yourself.
3) Hospitable – given to generous and cordial reception of guests.
4) Giving – to provide someone with (something wanted or needed). (i.e. – a giving person)
5) Caring – feeling or showing concern for or kindness to others.
To finish out this article, I want us to examine some scripture to try to inform ourselves of how we ‘set the barometer’ in such a way that Jesus will endorse our lifestyle. Let’s look at a scripture from the book of Galatians.
Galatians 5:16 (KJV)
“[16] This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
So, the question naturally becomes, ‘What does it mean to ‘walk in the Spirit’?’ Consider this AI-generated excerpt taken from the web.
‘”Walk by the Spirit”: “Walking” refers to your day-to-day lifestyle and conduct. To walk by the Spirit means yielding to the Holy Spirit’s control and letting Him guide your thoughts, attitudes, and actions.’
This is actually an accurate definition of ‘walking by the Spirit’. And if you actually do this (yield to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to guide you through everything His way and not your way), you will gradually become all of the things that are on the second list, the ‘good’ list. And THAT should be the goal of every Christ-follower.
I hope that you have found this article to be both enlightening and encouraging. Remember that I love you guys and I’m praying for you.