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. (Written between December 1722 and July 1723) (Resolutions 1-21 were written at one sitting in 1722)
Resolution # 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 soever.
Now in plain English...
What ever I do, I will do it so that in doing it I reflect and reveal God's character and nature making His character more attractive, more desirable, and more honorable to those who observe my actions. I will do what ever I do for my own good and for my own pleasure as long as I live, no matter how long it takes to fulfill this resolution. I will also fulfill my God given responsibility to do good or to benefit mankind as much as I am able, no matter how much trouble it is or what difficulty I face.
What about you?
Have you and are you resolved that everything you do, whether it be eating or simply drinking, you are doing it in order to reveal character traits of our God in order to make them clearer and more attractive those who observe your actions?
11 comments:
Good question. It's what I strive to do, but I know I fall short.
Greg,
I just came across your blog today and became a follower. If only I could say that I had Edward's resolution. I pray that God will give me the strength and wisdom to live a life that brings Him glory.
My blog is Manifest Blog if you're interested.
God Bless!
A very good question Gregg,
Thanks for the comments
I really came to the end of my blooging thether last night,
I have solved one problem but it produces another but I will soldier on regardless.
Yvonne.
I would love it if you present each of his resolutions in today's English.
That's a good question. I have been striving for this purpose, and perhaps by God's grace I may sometimes accomplishing it, though failure is all too familiar. Great post.
Such a resolution would have to be daily renewed for me. I might succeed if I never left my home or opened my mouth. :-)
A resolution that I'm sure I would fall short of keeping as soon as I encountered someone. Thank goodness for God's grace! I think I need to print this one and keep it by my bedside to read upon arising each morning. Happy Thursday! ☺
I would love to be able to resolve to glorify God in everything I do but I very much don't. These resolutions are a good idea. Perhaps I should try it. Except instead of once a week, I'd try it once a day, maybe many times a day. Or at least pray that God gives my personality extra grace.
I like that this question was asked in light of making a resolution. That implies, of course, that I make a conscious decision - an intentional choice of my will - to honor and glorify God in all that I do. It doesn't quite work the same when I just do it when I "feel" like it.
Great convicting, challenging post, Gregg.
Yes, I am praying for more power from the Holy Spirit to be used to reflect God more accurately and plainly by living according to His will and purposes.
All for His glory...
GOD BLESS!
What Cathy said! I don't tend to make resolutions in order not to break them, because break them I will. Maybe that's a cop out but I think it's a good one. I so need Him!!
My resolution to be the best ambassador for Christ possible... this side of heaven.
BTW, l believe Just saying a simple, 'Yes, I will,' or 'No, I won't' is far better than making public resolutions.
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