The Right Resolutions
It’s always convicting to consider the resolutions of Jonathan Edwards, who began to pen them in 1722, at the tender age of 19. As with a great many things, including furniture, sermons, and commitments, older often seems stronger, and newer, cheaper. Past generations assumed an enchanted world with undeniable spiritual realities. A hundred years ago, not everyone believed, but when you read the old books, even ones that aren’t overtly Christian, they spoke of God in grander terms than we often do today. Their great books asked the ultimate questions, many of which to them turned on the providence of God. As we approach the New Year, here is a sampling of some of Edwards’ resolutions that from a biblical perspective, seem as strong as iron:
“Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.”
“Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.”
“Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it.”
“Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.”
“Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.”
To my eye, we make a great many resolutions. We’re not lacking ambition. But our aims are too earthly. We aren’t Edwards, nor can we go back in time. But we can create a culture that reflects something of Edwards’ resolutions. Instead of riding the wave of 2025, just trying to stay on the board, we can treat our time as more precious, and our lives as more valuable by ordering them according to God’s Word, with an eye to the Day. And so, perhaps we adopt a few of Edwards’ own resolutions. Just google “Jonathan Edwards resolutions” and you’ll find all 70. Perhaps we come up with some of our own. But let us all ask God to help us, by His grace, to resolve to live lives that glorify Him. If we do, we’ll find that what tends most to His glory, is also what’s best for us and for those we love.
Happy almost New Year.
