I once read a list of 21 resolutions Jonathan Edwards had committed to live his life by. Lately I have realized how much of my life is lived with little to no resolve. Day after day passes by and I find that I have consistently piddled away my life with insignificant entertainment and pleasures. Most of my life I have resisted structure or resolutions as a form of legalism. I no longer hold such beliefs, to the contrary, I have come to see a lists of resolutions as a way to express the redeemed hearts deepest longings. It is a way to identify and clarify what is truly important and to keep oneself focused on that which has eternal significance. My list is of course is child's play in comparison to the writing of Edwards (he wrote his at 17), yet it is a beginning and it is mine. This not in the least an exhaustive list, it is only the start of what I hope will become a well rounded commitment to express and live the transformation that has come about in my heart by the Holy Spirit. As I delve into this new heart, transformed by the scriptures and animated by the Spirit, I fully expect the list will grow.
Resolved:
- To daily live intentionally and with effort for God's Glory; for The Name,
- To make the pursuit of joy foremost in every activity of life; both in calamity and in ease,
- To pursue the presence of God and His instruction prior to setting about my daily activities,
- To keep short accounts of wrongs done against me and to quickly repent of transgressions done against God and man,
- To demonstrate a heart of servant hood and put down the internal demand to be served,
