Resolved

It's 2008! One thing I love about New Year's Day is that it almost forces us to reflect upon our lives and find things we would like to change in the coming year. Most of us live such hectic lives that we seldom, if ever, pause to examine ourselves. I firmly believe that our lives would be holier and happier if we took time for a little more self-examination.

A wonderful example of self-examination is the life of Jonathan Edwards (not to be confused with liberal pretty-boy, John Edwards!). Edwards' legacy stands as the first and greatest theologian produced by America. He pastored the same church for 24 years, faithfully serving and loving that congregation. Yet, perhaps his greatest achievement was the careful watch he had over his own soul. In his lifetime, Edwards made 70 resolutions... ways to fight for his holiness and happiness.

As you begin 2008, I hope some of his resolutions inspire you to fight for holiness in the coming year, realizing that the holier you are, the happier you are. With that in mind, I wish you a Happy New Year!

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 myriads 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 soever, and how great soever.

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

10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.

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

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.

67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, and what I might have got by them.