Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God’ s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many soever, and how great soever.
Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.
Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
These are just three of the seventy resolutions Jonathan Edwards resolved to live by. Throughout his life, he would add new resolutions as he saw fit. In a similar manner, I am attempting to do the same. Of course, even if I hold true to these resolutions, they are but filthy rags compared to the surpassing worth of knowing our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Here are a few:
Resolved, not let a minute pass without being mindful of the sovereignty of God in all things, particularly pertaining to his plan for my life, but, more ultimately, his established purpose from eternity-past to eternity-future. (Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 139; Ephesians 1)
Resolved, to the best of my recollection, repent of my iniquities, which nailed Jesus, who before the foundation of the world foreknew my willingness to rebel against him, to the cross. (Luke 5:32; Romans 2:4; II Corinthians 7:10; I Peter 2:24)
Resolved, to never attain contentment in repentance nor grow dissatisfied of God’s grace. (Romans 5:20; 7:7-21; 12:3; II Corinthians 12:9; Ephesians 2:1-10)
Resolved, whenever my thoughts grow anxious, weary, and worrisome, if no deterrent, cease my current task and focus on my Jesus suffering on the cross, to defeat my malcontent thoughts, until my mind’s unrest is tamed. (Psalm 40; Matthew 11:28-30; Romans 12:2; II Corinthians 4:16-18 )
Resolved, to protect and preserve the sanctity of life across all ages, cultures, ethnicities, “races,” and religions, especially the helpless, needy, and poor (Psalm 72; Proverbs 31:9; Ezekiel 16:49; Matthew 5:3; James 1:27)
Now those are some appropriate resolutions!
I am reading Part Two of “God’s Passion for His Glory” by John Piper right now, which is Jonathan Edward’s sermon “The End for Which God Created the World.” Piper quotes some of Edwards’s resolutions in Part One, and it got me thinking about creating resolutions of my own also. I thoroughy enjoyed reading yours and admire them.