2023 is almost upon us which means that millions are currently drafting their lists of New Year’s resolutions. After a holiday week of presents, naps, and fatty foods, many become fed up with “how their life is” and they begin to fantasize about “what it could be.” Typically, this list of resolutions includes things such as losing weight, working out more, eating healthier, and cutting out other unhelpful habits. Some will faithfully stick to these resolutions for the entire year. But the vast majority only keep up with this list of habits for a few weeks until they give up and go back to life as usual. It’s hard to make changes. It’s hard to sacrifice immediate pleasure and comfort for delayed reward. If it was easy to work out consistently, everyone would do it. If it was easy to have healthy habits, everyone would.
As hard as it is to be in shape physically, it is much more challenging to be spiritually fit and healthy. But the reward of spiritual fitness far outweighs the difficulty of pursuing after it. The apostle Paul speaks to this in 1 Timothy 4:8, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promises for both the present life and the life to come.” Physical health is important but it has limitations and one day, its rewards will come to an end. But spiritual health cannot be underestimated as it will lead to eternal rewards that will never cease or fail to pay back on your investment. In light of this reality, we should be focused on our spiritual health in 2023 and set up goals to shoot for. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Growing in godliness doesn’t happen by accident. Becoming more like Christ and less like the world takes effort and intentionality. It requires you to make the daily choice to die to yourself and live for the glory of God.
As a young man, the famous theologian and pastor Jonathan Edwards drafted 70 goals or resolutions that he was devoted to carrying out and following for the rest of his life. Yes, some of the resolutions are a bit over the top and too introspective. And yes, this man had many flaws and faults that I won’t cover here but the Lord used Edwards’ sermons and writings to bless many and help kick off the Great Awakening in the 1700s. In part, Edwards was able to accomplish so much because of his dedication to these resolutions that he drafted as a young man. I’m going to list off several of Edwards’ resolutions below. Look them over and learn from them. Think of what the Lord is calling you to let go of and pursue after in 2023. Think of who He is calling you to be and what He is calling you to do. You don’t have to create an official list of resolutions but it is beneficial to have spiritual goals for yourself and your family. Every year, you need to take the time to slow down and evaluate where you came from, where you are currently, and where you want to go. FYI - This list was written 300 years ago so the wording can be a bit challenging at times. It’s best to read through these resolutions slowly.
Resolution # 1 - Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God’s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure.
Resolution #5 - Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.
Resolution #7 - Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.
Resolution #28 - 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.
Resolution #41 - Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better.
Resolution # 43 - Resolved, never henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God’s