Strict Temperance in Eating and Drinking
By Rooted Africa (
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
We continue tomorrow with Resolution 21.This is Day 20 in our daily series on Jonathan Edwards' 70 Resolutions.References for Further Reading
@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.
- 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?
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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