In 1722, Jonathan Edwards drew up a list of 70 resolutions, dedicating himself to live in harmony with God and others. The following resolutions give a picture of the serious purpose with which Edwards approached his relationship with God. He resolved:

• To do whatever is most to God’s glory.

• To do my duty, for the good of mankind in general.

• Never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

• To study the Scriptures steadily, constantly, and frequently.

• To ask myself at the end of every day, week, month, and year if I could possibly have done better.

• Until I die, not to act as if I were my own, but entirely and altogether God’s.

In Nehemiah 10, God’s people made an oath, vowing to follow all the commands, laws, and regulations of the Lord. This oath was so serious that they were willing to accept the curse of God if they failed to keep these commands.

Our resolutions need not be so serious as that. But any resolution to follow God is not a casual promise. Rather, it is a solemn and serious declaration that—with the help of the Holy Spirit—we can renew every day. —Marvin Williams