Widely recognized as a great theologian, an influential preacher and a prolific writer, Jonathan Edwards played a prominent role in helping to spark the spirit of revivalism known as the Great Awakening in the eighteenth-century America. His foremost desire was to help people transform from mere believers in Christian doctrine to converted Christians who were moved to action by the principles of their belief.
Edwards compiled a list of resolutions that he gave regular attention to. I have included ten for your consideration. Even with older English and style, the statements are very thought-provoking and relevant. Remember a resolution is a formal expression of opinion or intent.
1. 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 possibly avoid it.
2. Resolved, Never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can.
3. Resolved, To live with all my might, while I do live.
4. Resolved, Never to do any thing, which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.
5. Resolved, If I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.
6. Resolved, Never to do any thing out of revenge.
7. Resolved, Never to suffer the least motions of anger towards irrational beings.
8. Resolved, Never to speak evil of any one, so that it shall tend to his dishonour, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.
9. Resolved, To maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.
10. Resolved, Frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs, and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God’s glory, to repute it as a breach of the first Resolution.
The statements above are very powerful. We pray for Revival and Spiritual Awakening but pay far less attenton to individually living for the "Glory of God." Edwards suggests reading over these resolutions once a week. Click HERE to view additional works of Jonathan Edwards.
stay off the paved road... -craig
1 comment:
Not that I don't like Jonathon Edwards, but there is something of more significance at hand. Where did you get your little "stay off the paved road." I am dying to know. Mainly because it is an awesome sign off. Did you think of it yourself or did you get it from a book or what? I have been trying ti come up with one. There are a few I wouldn't mind to adopt from The Barbarian Way, but I feel like that might be cheating. Yet, if you got yours out of a book or something I will feel much better about it!
I enjoy reading your blog!!!
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