Even if No one else will.

Quote & Questions.

Quote:

“Resolution One: I will live for God. Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will.” - Jonathan Edwards

Jonathan Edwards is a man who played an important role assigned by God in bringing about "The Great Awakening" in the 1700s across America. His sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" given in a church in Enfield, is considered to be one of the greatest sermons in history. Equally famous are the "Resolutions" he took.

If we were asked when we'll take our next resolution, I am sure most of us would point to the last week of this year. Making resolutions have simply become an annual habit for most of us. (which I don't think is wrong in any way) But, you don't have to (and you shouldn't) wait till the new year, to make certain resolutions - like this resolution Edwards made about living for God. The reason we need to pause and consider this statement is that it is the only kind of lifestyle a Christian can have. Often, such statements are seen as a sign of high standards(which it is in a way) in one's spiritual life. But, we mustn't forget that it is also a necessary standard that we all must set if we call ourselves followers of Christ.

Unfortunately, these days, how we live for God is often defined closely by the standards set by the people around us. And in our culture today where godliness has little to no place, we must really have and express a strong resolve to live for God. The Bible doesn't leave us in doubt about how that life should look like. Here are some marks of the life Paul summarized by the words, "to live is Christ." (Phil 1:12)

• A temple of God (1 Cor 3:16)

• A living sacrifice, holy and acceptable (Rom 12:1)

• Self-denial, taking up the cross and following Christ (Matt 16:24)

• Living by the Spirit (Gal 5:21)

• Fruitful in good works (Col 1:10)

• Sacrificial and cheerful giving (Acts 2:45)

• Making eternal investments (Matt 6:19)

• Loving like Christ (1 John 3:16)

• Glorifying God (1 Cor 10:31).

There is more. But taking this as a checklist, if we were to ask, whether we are living for God, how would we do? Do you need to take a resolution? Open His Word, and ask Him to open your eyes to see what God says about living for Him, and resolve to do it, even if no one else will. By the power of His Spirit, God will help you do it.

Questions

• Do you feel the need to take any resolutions?

• Who is setting the standards of your giving and serving? God or the world?

• Where can you start making changes?

• When will you do it?