While he was still a young man, Jonathan Edwards penned a list of resolutions for his life. As he went along, he added to it and by the end of his life he had created a list of 70 goals for his life. As we enter a new year, I want to put these in front of you (10 at a time) for reflection and as an example of what a passionate dedication to Jesus looks like, and in the case of Edwards, what such discipline can create.
- Resolved: When I think of any theological question to be resolved, I will immediately do whatever I can to solve it, … if circumstances don’t hinder.
- Resolved: If I find myself taking delight in any gratification of pride or vanity, or on any other such empty virtue, I will immediately discard this gratification.
- Resolved: To be endeavoring to discover worthy objects of charity and liberality.
- Resolved: Never to do anything out of revenge.
- Resolved: Never to suffer the least emotions of anger about irrational beings.
- Resolved: Never to speak evil of anyone, except if it is necessary for some real good.
- Resolved: I will live in such a way, as I will wish I had done when I come to die.
- Resolved: To live, at all times, in those ways I think are best in me during my most spiritual moments and seasons – those times when I have clearest understanding of the gospel and awareness of the World that is to come.
- Resolved: Never to do anything, which I would be afraid to do if I expected it would not be more than an hour before I would hear the last trump sound. (i.e. when Jesus returns.)
- Resolved: To maintain the wisest and healthiest practices in my eating and drinking.