New Year’s Resolutions

    As we face the prospects of another year, we must grasp the grave responsibility of being stewards of the gospel of God's grace. We have a gracious and caring Heavenly Father, yet His Holiness will not allow Him to be lenient with sin. He considers our frame, remembers that we are dust, but never will He condone sin. With this reality before us, let us strive to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and resolve to live soberly, righteously, and godly, looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.


    This time of year affords us with opportunity to examine the past and chart the future. It is a fitting time to plan spiritual goals and resolutions for our lives. By the time Jonathan Edwards was twenty five years old, he laid out 70 resolutions for his life, and determined to read them weekly. His life's history would indicate he was faithful in keeping those resolution. No wonder God used him as the flame to start the Great Awakening in colonial America! Here are a few of his resolutions, somewhat edited and shortened.



1.

Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to the glory of God and my own good profit.

4.

Resolved, never to do, be or allow any manner of thing, whether in body or soul, but what tends to the glory of God.

5.

Resolved, never to lose a moment of time, but improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can.

7.

Resolved, never to do anything which I should be afraid to do, were it the last hour of my life.

10.

Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom and of hell

16.

Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone so it shall tend to his dishonor, except for some real good.

17.

Resolved, that I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

22.

Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness in the other world as I possibly can

28.

Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly, and frequently, that I grow in the knowledge of the same.

56.

Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

70.

Let there be something of benevolence in all that I speak


    Like any valuable achievement, a godly life does not come by accident. We become like Christ through conscious effort. Until Jesus returns for us or calls us home to be with Him, may we spare no effort to order our lives in His likeness! May our hearts reflect the words, "I am resolved no longer to linger charmed by the world's delights! Things that are higher, things that are nobler, these have allured my sight."