As a child, I remember having a mood ring. These rings were fascinating because they supposedly changed color based on your emotional state. The colors each had a meaning: blue for calm, green for happy, yellow for unsettled, red for angry, and black for stressed or anxious. I think you can still find them today, though they cost a lot more than they did back then.  

Now, imagine if we had to wear a ring or piece of jewelry that identified our Christian Walk or our mood for Jesus and other Christians. What if it changed colors when we engaged in conversations about Jesus? Would it change colors visibly, displaying when we agreed or disagreed with what we heard? What about our mood with other believers—would it change colors based on who walks up to us at church or during Bible study? Picture it changing colors as we read different parts of the Bible: turning black for Numbers or Leviticus, or bright green for the Christmas scriptures about Jesus’ birth. 

Temperament, or our mood and attitude, profoundly affects our Christian Walk. Our mood towards all things Jesus—fellowshipping, attending church, witnessing, and growing as Christians—impacts those around us. God’s Word tells us in Revelation 3:16, “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” This scripture reminds us that being lukewarm is not pleasing to God.  

Our mood and attitude can be a powerful witness or a stumbling block. If we are more lukewarm or even emotionless, we need to go to God and ask Him to renew our joy in the Lord. Psalm 51:12 says, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.” This prayer acknowledges our need for God’s help to rekindle our passion. 

Our moods and attitude can affect our relationship with God and others. Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” It is important to maintain a positive attitude, even in difficult times. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

James 1:19-20 advises us, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” Our temperament should reflect patience and understanding, especially in conversations with others. This way, our Christian “mood ring” would shine brightly, showing love and compassion. 

Colossians 3:12-14 encourages us, “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” This scripture is a call to wear the virtues of Christ, affecting our mood and interactions positively. 

Our prayer life is another area where our temperament matters. Matthew 6:7-8 says, “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.” God desires genuine, heartfelt communication with Him, not rote, emotionless prayers. 

If you find your passion for Jesus waning, here are a few steps to reignite it: 
– Engage deeply in God’s Word: Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Study the Bible with curiosity and expectation. Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” 
– Pray earnestly and honestly: Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” 
– Fellowship with other believers: Hebrews 10:24-25 states, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” 
– Serve others: Galatians 5:13 reminds us, “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”                                               – Focus on God’s promises: Isaiah 40:31, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

By evaluating where we stand most of the time and taking steps to renew our passion for Jesus, our Christian “mood ring” can reflect a vibrant, faithful walk with Him. Let’s strive to be “hot” in our faith, actively pursuing a deeper relationship with Christ and sharing His love with those around us.