Series on Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions: Resolution #20

Strict Temperance in Eating and Drinking

By Rooted Africa (

@kateyakli

)Jonathan Edwards had resolved to live ready for the last trumpet (Resolution 19) and to maintain the clarity of his most devout moments (Resolution 18). Now he turned to the body itself, committing to strict self-control in one of life's most basic and constant activities.
Resolution #20
Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved to practice rigorous self-discipline and moderation in all eating and drinking—never indulging to excess, never letting appetite rule reason or conscience.
This resolution reflects a holistic view of sanctification: the body belongs to God (1 Corinthians 6:19–20), and even daily habits like meals should glorify Him. Edwards saw gluttony or intemperance as a subtle form of idolatry—allowing created things to master the one made in God's image.Why This Matters TodayFood and drink are constant battlegrounds for self-control. In a culture of endless options, comfort eating, social overindulgence, and health extremes, temperance is countercultural. Edwards reminds us that moderation honors God, guards health for service, and trains the will to say "no" to lesser desires so we can say "yes" to greater ones.As 1 Corinthians 9:27 says: “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”Applying Resolution 20 Practically

• Before eating: Pause and pray: “Lord, let this meal nourish me for Your service, not rule me.”
• Portion and choice: Eat to sustain life and energy, not to satisfy craving or emotion.
• Social settings: Practice moderation even when others indulge—lead by example.
• Habit: Track meals for a week with gratitude and restraint, not legalism.

Reflection Questions

• Where do I lack temperance in eating or drinking? What does it reveal about my heart?
• How might stricter self-control free me for greater spiritual and physical service?
• Am I disciplining my body as one who belongs to Christ?

Edwards reviewed his resolutions weekly to keep even physical habits accountable. Regular reflection builds discipline. Resolution 20 calls us to bodily stewardship—temperance as an act of worship.How might this resolution affect your daily habits? Share in the comments or on X (@kateyakli).
We continue tomorrow with Resolution 21.This is Day 20 in our daily series on Jonathan Edwards' 70 Resolutions.References for Further Reading

• Full text of Edwards' Resolutions: https://www.jonathan-edwards.org/Resolutions.html
• "The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards" (Desiring God): https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-resolutions-of-jonathan-edwards
• Ligonier Ministries overview: https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/resolutions-jonathan-edwards

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Series on Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions: Resolution #19

Acting as if Judgment Is Imminent

Jonathan Edwards didn’t just want to live out of his brightest spiritual moments or keep death in view. He took it further—he wanted to live every hour ready for Christ’s return, as if he could hear that final trumpet any minute.

Here’s Resolution 19 in his words:  

Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.

Put simply, Edwards decided he’d never do anything he’d be ashamed of if Jesus showed up in the next hour. This resolution feels a lot like his earlier ones about living with death in mind, but now the focus sharpens—the sudden return of Christ, the kind described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17. Edwards wanted nothing in his life that would make him shrink back in shame when judgment came.

Why does this matter now? Most of us drift through our days acting like tomorrow is a given and Jesus’ return is far off. Edwards won’t let us off the hook. He asks, “If I knew Jesus was coming back in the next hour, would I still be doing this?” That question has a way of cutting through our excuses, revealing what we’re trying to hide, and lighting a fire under our love for God and people.

Jesus said, 

“You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44).

So what does living out Resolution 19 actually look like?  Before you act, pause and ask: “If the trumpet sounded in 60 minutes, would I regret this?”  When you’re alone, refuse anything you’d be afraid to have exposed at Christ’s return—hidden habits, secret bitterness, dishonesty, whatever it is.  With your priorities, choose what really lasts. Invest in Scripture, prayer, people, sharing the gospel.  And when temptation hits, remind yourself: “This could be my last hour.”

Some questions to chew on: 
What would I drop instantly if I knew Christ was on his way? 
What would I rush to do before time ran out? 
What parts of my life need repentance or a serious reset in light of this?

Edwards checked himself every week, reviewing his resolutions so he’d stay alert and ready. That kind of regular reflection keeps us from drifting. Resolution 19 pulls us into a life that’s watchful, urgent, and unafraid—always ready for the sound of the trumpet.

If you really thought the last trumpet would blast in an hour, what would you change? Think about it, and if you want, share your thoughts in the comments or on X (@kateyakli).

Tomorrow, we’ll look at Resolution 20.  

This is Day 19 of our daily walk through Jonathan Edwards’ 70 Resolutions.

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Series on Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions: Resolution #18

Living at Peak Spiritual Clarity

By Rooted Africa (

@kateyakli

)

Jonathan Edwards had resolved to live in light of how he would wish to have lived at death (Resolution #17) and to speak evil only when truly necessary (Resolution #16). Now he aimed higher: to live consistently at the level of his clearest spiritual moments.
Resolution #18
Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved to live every day—ordinary moments included—as he would live during his most spiritually alive, devout, and clear-minded times, when the truths of the gospel and eternity felt most real and compelling.
This resolution fights spiritual inconsistency. Edwards knew that devotion ebbs and flows—high moments of clarity give way to dullness. He wanted no gap between his "best" self and his everyday self.Why This Matters TodayWe all have "highs"—times when prayer feels alive, Scripture burns, eternity feels near. Then come the lows—distraction, doubt, routine. Edwards challenges us: Why live below your best spiritual insight? Bring the clarity and fervor of your peak moments into every day.As Psalm 119:97 says: “Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.”Applying Resolution 18 Practically

• Recall peak moments: Remember a time when God felt near—then ask: “How would I live today if I still felt that way?”
• In routine: Treat ordinary tasks (work, chores, conversations) with the same reverence you have in worship.
• When dullness hits: Deliberately return to gospel truths that once moved you—read them aloud, pray them, act on them.
• Habit: Start each day by recalling a recent "devout frame" and commit to living from that clarity.

Reflection Questions

• When was the last time my spiritual life felt clearest and most alive? What characterized that season?
• Where do I live below that standard in daily life?
• How can I bridge the gap between my "highs" and my "normals"?

Edwards reviewed his resolutions weekly to maintain spiritual consistency. Regular reflection keeps the heart aligned with its best moments.Resolution 18 calls us to steady devotion—no rollercoaster faith, but a life shaped by gospel clarity at all times.What would change if you lived today from your clearest spiritual insight? Share in the comments or on X (

@kateyakli

).We continue tomorrow with Resolution 19.This is Day 18 in our daily series on Jonathan Edwards' 70 Resolutions.References for Further Reading

• Full text of Edwards' Resolutions: https://www.jonathan-edwards.org/Resolutions.html
• "The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards" (Desiring God): https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-resolutions-of-jonathan-edwards
• Ligonier Ministries overview: https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/resolutions-jonathan-edwards

Rooted in truth, growing in grace.

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