Spiritual Resolutions for the New Year
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) was a New England Pastor, Grandfather of an American Vice President, President of Princeton University, and heavily influential great awakening preacher.
Edwards wrote 70 spiritual resolutions to be reviewed with frequency and adhered to for life, in dependence on God’s enabling grace. Each of these 70 resolutions is stirring and convicting for the believer who wishes to live to the utmost for God’s glory.
Read a sampling of Edwards’ resolutions below.
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.
Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.
Resolved, never to do any thing out of revenge.
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, 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.
Resolved, never, henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God’s.
Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in Him, and consecrate myself wholly to Him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer.
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.
Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity.
Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.