Resolutions

What a person resolves to do tells a lot about that person. Each resolution represents a value, a vision, and a core belief a person holds. With each resolution we make we point to what it is we believe and how we hope to honor that which we hold most dear.

As you consider making resolutions, take a look at the resolutions of Jonathan Edwards. He wrote these at a very young age. They give a great deal of explanation about his faith and character as is noted.

Resolutions afford ample testimony how much the author had entered into the spirit of 1 Cor. 10:31. Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. They also illustrate his views of the importance of consistency of character. He was not content with accurate views of truth, or any kind of outward profession, apart from holy consistency of character. He studied, he admired, and he exhibited the influence of the gospel; a walk “worthy of the vocation wherewith he was called” was the elevated object at which he ardently aimed. He well knew that the followers of Christ are required “to hold forth the word of life,” to shine as lights in the world, to instruct by their examples as well as by their words; and he desired to honour God by presenting to the view of the members of the spiritual kingdom, and also of the world, an example which might declare the reality and the beauty of religion. It is further manifest from these Resolutions, that his mind was most anxious for daily advancement in every branch of holiness.
Edwards, J. (2008). The works of Jonathan Edwards, Volume 1 (lxv). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Here are the first five of his seventy life resolutions. His first resolution is exceptional.

Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.
1. Resolved, That I will do whatsoever I think to be most to the glory of God, and my own good, profit, and pleasure, in the whole of my duration; without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved, to do whatever I think to be my duty, and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved, so to do, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many soever, and how great soever.
2. Resolved, To be continually endeavouring to find out some new contrivance and invention to promote the forementioned things.
3. Resolved, If ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.
4. 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.
5. Resolved, Never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can.
Edwards, J. (2008). The works of Jonathan Edwards, Volume 1 (lxii). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.