Series on Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions: Resolution #17

Living as I Will Wish I Had Lived

By Rooted Africa (

@kateyakli

)Jonathan Edwards had guarded his speech (Resolution 16) and mastered anger even toward the irrational (Resolution 15). Now he lifted his gaze to the end: living today in light of how he would wish to have lived at life's close.

Resolution 17
Resolved, to live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved to live every day in such a way that, when death comes, he would look back with no regret—having pursued what truly matters in light of eternity.This resolution ties together many earlier ones: eternal perspective (Res. 7 & 9), full vigor (Res. 6), and rejection of revenge/pride (Res. 14–15). It asks: If I knew this was my final day, how would I live? Then live that way now.Why This Matters TodayMost of us live with vague intentions of "later" change—later I'll forgive, later I'll prioritize family, later I'll serve God more fully. Edwards forces the question: Why wait? Death is certain, time is short. Living "as I shall wish I had done" brings urgency, clarity, and joy to the present.Hebrews 9:27: 
“And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.”Applying Resolution 17 Practically

• Daily alignment: Start the day asking: “If this were my last day, how would I live it?”
• In relationships: Forgive quickly, love generously, speak words of life.
• In work and service: Do everything as unto the Lord, with excellence and heart.
• Habit: At day's end, review: “Did I live today as I will wish I had at death?”

Reflection Questions

• What will I wish I had done differently when I come to die? Am I doing it now?
• Which areas of life (relationships, faith, work) need urgent realignment?
• How does this resolution change my priorities today?

Edwards reviewed his resolutions weekly to live with no-regret urgency. Regular reflection keeps the end in view. Resolution 17 is a call to intentional, regret-free living—today as we will wish we had lived then.What one change would make you wish differently at death? Share in the comments or on X (@kateyakli). We continue tomorrow with Resolution 18.This is Day 17 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.