Twelve Resolutions

I mentioned in my previous post that I've been on a Jonathan Edwards "binge". Well, let the fun continue. Recently I came across his seventy "resolutions" and - partly out of admiration, partly for the sake of my own edification - I've decided to write twelve of my own. (Maybe I'll match Edwards' seventy someday, but for now twelve will do.) I'll use Edwards' preface:

"Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ's sake."

1. Resolved, not to chase after vanities (especially intellectual vainglory or pride of reputation), but rather to live humbly and without pretense. Resolved, whenever I am tempted with worldliness, to cling to these words: “Friendship with the world is enmity with God.” (James 4:4)

2. Resolved, not to worry about food, drink, clothing, or the other necessities of life, but rather to pray, work, and gratefully receive these things as Providence would give them. (Matthew 6:25) Further resolved, to make Jesus’ words my own: “My food is to do the will of him who sent me.” (John 4:34)

3. Resolved, to honor those in authority over me, even when they seem unreasonable or unfair. Also resolved, to honor my father and my mother in (1) how I represent them and (2) how I treat them. And lastly, resolved, to make the apostles’ words my own: “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)

4. Resolved, to be a good friend by laying down my life for others. (John 15:13) Also resolved, to do this without melancholy or resentment, but with joy and thanksgiving – knowing that I am thereby participating in the love of Christ. Therefore, resolved, to present myself as a living sacrifice – this is my spiritual worship. (Romans 12:1)

5. Resolved, to care for the least of these. (Matthew 25:40) Resolved, that is, to comfort the downcast, care for the poor, befriend the lonely, and seek diligently for those in need of charity.

6. Resolved, to be a peacemaker, sowing seeds not of discord but of charity and mercy. (Matthew 5:9) Further resolved, to hold my tongue when I am tempted to gossip or backbite.

7. Resolve, to let my “yes” be “yes” and my “no” be “no”, speaking with truthfulness, simplicity, and humility. (Matthew 5:37) Further resolved, to let my speech be seasoned with salt. (Colossians 4:6) Resolved, that is, to speak the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:15)

8. Resolved, to pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Resolved, to live in prayerful conversation with my Lord, asking him for direction in matters both small and great. Further resolved, to devote myself daily to morning, afternoon, and evening prayer.

9. Resolved, to treat Holy Scripture as “the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.” (2 Timothy 3:15) Therefore, resolved, to read Holy Scripture with a meditative spirit and a docile heart so that the Holy Spirit may be my teacher.

10. Resolved, never to do something I would not do if my life were being demanded of me this very night. (Luke 12:20) Resolved, never to do something I am doubtful God would approve, “for whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23)

11. Resolved, to mortify self-love by fasting at least one day per month, dedicating the day to prayer and almsgiving. Further resolved, to do this in secret, not for the sake of outward appearance or show. (Matthew 6)

12. Ultimately and in all things, resolved, to let myself humbly suffer and die with Christ so that I may rise with Him into new and everlasting life – for the glory of God our Father. Resolved, that is, to make these words my own: “I want to know him and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:10-11)