The Last Day

I can't believe that this is the last day of 2007! It seems like it was just beginning. This time of year makes us think about the new "resolutions" that we are going to make and not keep. I am reminded of Jonathan Edwards (not the presidental candidate) and the resolutions that he made, and keep in mind he made these with this thought in mind, "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." He made a commitment to read his resolutions once a week to be reminded of how he had committed his life to be. I thought about putting the whole list on here but it would be long so I have decided to highlight a few of his resolutions.

1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's glory, 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 myriad's 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 to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great so ever.
2. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.
3. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.
4. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
5. 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.
6. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Eph. 6:6-8, do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man; "knowing that whatever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord."
7. 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.
8. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made
9. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better.
10. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is
    perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.

These are ten of the70 resolutions that Jonathan Edwards wrote and read every week of his life. Some times I think that our resolutions are out of focus and are destined for failure. So as you think about your resolutions read these ten and put some thought into them and ask God what he wants you to do in the up coming year.

If you woulld like the complete list of "The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards" either place a comment on the blog or send me an email and I will be glad to send them to you.