Each year at this time many of us make resolutions that we hope will change our lives for the better. They are called resolutions because we resolve, or commit, to do something we consider beneficial or not to do something we consider harmful.
Many of our resolutions typically revolve around things we can measure or see results in: diet, exercise, giving more, saving more, visiting a certain place, etc. These are good things to attempt, but ultimately it will benefit us more to make resolutions that help us spiritually.
In order to get our juices flowing toward thinking of spiritual resolutions, I have included some of Jonathan Edwards’ Resolutions. The majority of them are spiritual, but you will notice some overflow into other areas as well. There are 70 in all, but here are a few. (Edwards, a pastor and theologian wrote them in 1722-1723, so keep that in mind as the language is a little different.)
1. 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 and for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.
5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.
6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.
14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.
20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.
25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.
28. 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.
30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.
54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it.
56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
67. 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.
69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it.
I pray these help us all think a little deeper and with more intention about our spiritual lives, and I hope that we will have similar resolutions to help us live on purpose for the glory of God. Happy New Year!
Many of our resolutions typically revolve around things we can measure or see results in: diet, exercise, giving more, saving more, visiting a certain place, etc. These are good things to attempt, but ultimately it will benefit us more to make resolutions that help us spiritually.
In order to get our juices flowing toward thinking of spiritual resolutions, I have included some of Jonathan Edwards’ Resolutions. The majority of them are spiritual, but you will notice some overflow into other areas as well. There are 70 in all, but here are a few. (Edwards, a pastor and theologian wrote them in 1722-1723, so keep that in mind as the language is a little different.)
1. 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 and for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.
5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.
6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.
14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.
20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.
25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.
28. 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.
30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.
54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it.
56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
67. 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.
69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it.
I pray these help us all think a little deeper and with more intention about our spiritual lives, and I hope that we will have similar resolutions to help us live on purpose for the glory of God. Happy New Year!