Dying Well in View
By Rooted Africa (
Resolution 9
Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved to frequently reflect on his own death and the typical realities that surround it—pain, separation, final judgment, the end of earthly opportunities—to keep his priorities aligned with eternity. This resolution builds directly on the previous ones: if time is short and every action must glorify God, then keeping death in view prevents complacency and sharpens focus on what truly matters.Why This Matters TodayWe avoid thinking about death. It feels morbid or distant. Yet Edwards saw it as a gift of clarity: death strips away illusions of control, permanence, and self-sufficiency. In a culture obsessed with youth, productivity, and endless distraction, regularly remembering our mortality reorients us toward eternal values—relationships, faithfulness, and God Himself.As Psalm 90:12 prays: “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”Applying Resolution 9 Practically
@kateyakli
)Jonathan Edwards had already resolved to live with humility toward others (Resolution 8) and to act as if every moment could be the last (Resolution 7). Now he deepened that eternal awareness by deliberately meditating on death and its circumstances.
Resolution 9
Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved to frequently reflect on his own death and the typical realities that surround it—pain, separation, final judgment, the end of earthly opportunities—to keep his priorities aligned with eternity. This resolution builds directly on the previous ones: if time is short and every action must glorify God, then keeping death in view prevents complacency and sharpens focus on what truly matters.Why This Matters TodayWe avoid thinking about death. It feels morbid or distant. Yet Edwards saw it as a gift of clarity: death strips away illusions of control, permanence, and self-sufficiency. In a culture obsessed with youth, productivity, and endless distraction, regularly remembering our mortality reorients us toward eternal values—relationships, faithfulness, and God Himself.As Psalm 90:12 prays: “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”Applying Resolution 9 Practically
- Daily reminder: When tempted to waste time or chase trivial things, pause and ask: “If this were my last week, would I spend it this way?”
- In trials: When facing pain or loss, remember that death’s circumstances are common to all—use it to deepen dependence on Christ.
- In decisions: Weigh choices by asking, “Will this matter when I stand before God?”
- Gratitude practice: Reflecting on death increases thankfulness for life’s gifts—family, breath, salvation.
- How often do I think about my own death? Does avoiding it dull my spiritual sensitivity?
- What current pursuit would look insignificant if I knew my time was short?
- How might meditating on death increase my love for God and others?
- 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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