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Resolutions For A Reformation In 2011

Over a span of two years (1722-1723), Jonathan Edwards, a well-known and admired American theologian, penned 70 resolutions. It’s interesting to note that they were not resolutions in celebration of a New Year, but rather for a reformation of his life.

To bring this reformation about, he totally committed himself to bring every part of his life under the control of Jesus (cf. Gal. 2:20). And he did so by reading these 70 Resolutions once each week, for 35 years — more than 1,800 times before his death in 1758 (source).

Regarding the keeping of these 70 resolutions, Jonathan Edwards wrote:

“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. Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.”

Among these 70 resolutions are the following:

• Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

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

• Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.

• 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, 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.

From the above sample list, we can plainly see the practicality of these resolutions with regard to Jonathan Edwards’ spiritual commitment to Christ.

Brethren and friends, as the dawn of another New Year approaches, what resolutions will we make to make reformation of our spiritual life, and will we have the same spiritual commitment as Jonathan Edwards, to keep any resolutions we make?

Two resolutions that we need to especially consider in light of God’s extraordinary goodness to us in 2010, should be our continued resolve in being (1) obedient and (2) faithful to His will in 2011 (Matthew 7:21; Revelation 2:10).

Let us spend quality time in spiritually preparing for the upcoming New Year – 2011 — boldly declaring our dependence upon the Lord to shape and mold us into the mature Christian He wants us to become (2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Hebrews 5:12-14) and our continued desire to grow spiritually (2 Peter 3:18).