Jonathan Edwards is arguably the greatest American theologian.  He has contributed many great works for furtherance of the gospel. For me the writing of greatest influence is his resolutions. Edwards wrote these in his teenage years between 1722 and 1723 (O may we raise teens like this). They show a real zeal for the glory of God and for the love of people, a hatred for sin and a healthy self loathing and self awareness found in very few today. They encourage us to be gentle and meek while making statements of vehement living like “live with all my might wile I do live”

Although much of what is said is ideal and seems beyond attainability for the common man he adds through out hints of the reality that these things are dependent, like the opening, “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.”

These resolutions are worthy to imitate and the example of writing our own resolutions should be followed. I hope this post will be an encouragement to you for godly living. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” – Philippians 4:8

http://www.apuritansmind.com/ChristianWalk/ResolutionsOfJonathanEdwards.htm