Through the discipline of surrender in spiritual maturity, we eventually move (align) from thermometer to thermostat, but the truth is that thermostat is BOTH thermometer and controller.
Are you the fountain or the drain?
Both fountains and drains are necessary and guess what? It ain't a contest!
There is a filter leading to the fountain to keep it clean, and a filter is a reverse-osmosis drain. But if the drain is clogged, the flow ends and flooding transpires. Cleaning the drain is not pleasant, and failing to replace the filters in life takes time, but it's worth it.
Many of us have heard this before, but here it is again: We have a daily reprieve contingent upon the maintenance of our spiritual condition.