If there were a real "spiritual" thermometer that would show how much we love the Lord would you use it to find out your temperature? As a mother, college instructor, music teacher, and Sunday school teacher I sometimes wish I could make a dependable test to see how those I am teaching are doing - way down deep in their souls.
Jesus said in John 15, "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. 11These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 12This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. 16Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit,and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 17These things I command you, that ye love one another."
One way to take your spiritual temperature is to check out your obedience to the Lord's commands. Just plain old obedience. Another check point is how you genuinely love and care for others. Fruitful soul winning and answered prayers are more vital signs of our love for God.
If someone needs a thermometer to find out their love for God, is probably cold or lukewarm! I don't want my husband, children, or spiritual leaders to ever wonder about my spiritual temperature. On March 15, 1978, I made a decision to give every part of myself to God, not because of a threat of a sermon or school rule, but because I just loved God so much! I get excited remembering that day. It was one of the most boring Bible studies I have ever heard, I can't even remember it, but God did a work on my heart - so much that He helped me overcome my fears of meeting people, talking, making eye contact, and even answering a door or phone. Because of the "burning" in my bones I started teaching in jr. church, soul winning on the bus route, and was willing to play the piano more often in church, even though the fear made me physically ill every time. I can't tell you what a miracle it is every time I speak to a group of ladies, meet a stranger, witness, or shake a stranger's hand. The love I had for the Lord helped me overcome the fear.
What is it that you have to overcome? Whatever it may be, let the spiritual high temperature of your love for God drive it away. Be motivated by God's love, it never runs out and it quickly warms a cold heart!
