Never to Allow Any Pleasure That Does Not Glorify God
By Rooted Africa (
Resolution 27
Resolved, never to allow myself in any pleasure or delight that is not to the glory of God, or that tends to hinder my spiritual progress.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved never to indulge in any pleasure or delight — whether food, entertainment, conversation, rest, or recreation — if it did not glorify God or if it hindered his growth in holiness. This resolution shows Edwards’ holistic view of sanctification. He understood that even lawful pleasures can become snares if they shift our centre from God to self. Nothing was exempt from the test: “Does this glorify God?”
Why This Matters Today
We live in a pleasure-saturated culture. Entertainment, social media, comfort food, hobbies, and relaxation are often pursued without any thought of God. Many Christians separate “spiritual life” from “normal life,” allowing pleasures that slowly dull their appetite for God. Edwards calls us to bring every delight under the lordship of Christ. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Applying Resolution 27 Practically
Before any pleasure: Pause and ask, “Does this glorify God, or will it hinder my spiritual progress?” In daily choices: Choose entertainment, food, or rest that refreshes the soul rather than numbs it.
In moderation: Enjoy God’s good gifts, but never let them rule you.
Habit: Make it a regular practice to offer even small delights to God with thanksgiving.This resolution trains us to enjoy life without idolatry — turning every pleasure into an act of worship.
Reflection Questions
What pleasure or delight in my life might be hindering my spiritual progress?
Do I regularly ask whether my entertainment and recreation glorify God?
How can I enjoy God’s gifts more freely by submitting them to His glory?Edwards reviewed his resolutions weekly to keep even his pleasures accountable. Regular reflection purifies our delights. Resolution 27 calls us to a life where every joy points back to God.How does this resolution challenge your daily pleasures and delights? Share in the comments or on X (
We continue tomorrow with Resolution 28: Resolved, never to allow myself in any pleasure or delight that is not to the glory of God, or that tends to hinder my spiritual progress. (Note: Edwards repeated similar themes for emphasis.)This is Day 27 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-edwardsRooted in truth, growing in grace.
@kateyakli
)Jonathan Edwards had resolved to cast away anything that caused him to doubt his salvation (Resolution 26) and to examine constantly what was lacking in his soul (Resolution 25). Now he turned his attention to the pleasures and delights of life itself.Resolution 27
Resolved, never to allow myself in any pleasure or delight that is not to the glory of God, or that tends to hinder my spiritual progress.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved never to indulge in any pleasure or delight — whether food, entertainment, conversation, rest, or recreation — if it did not glorify God or if it hindered his growth in holiness. This resolution shows Edwards’ holistic view of sanctification. He understood that even lawful pleasures can become snares if they shift our centre from God to self. Nothing was exempt from the test: “Does this glorify God?”
Why This Matters Today
We live in a pleasure-saturated culture. Entertainment, social media, comfort food, hobbies, and relaxation are often pursued without any thought of God. Many Christians separate “spiritual life” from “normal life,” allowing pleasures that slowly dull their appetite for God. Edwards calls us to bring every delight under the lordship of Christ. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Applying Resolution 27 Practically
Before any pleasure: Pause and ask, “Does this glorify God, or will it hinder my spiritual progress?” In daily choices: Choose entertainment, food, or rest that refreshes the soul rather than numbs it.
In moderation: Enjoy God’s good gifts, but never let them rule you.
Habit: Make it a regular practice to offer even small delights to God with thanksgiving.This resolution trains us to enjoy life without idolatry — turning every pleasure into an act of worship.
Reflection Questions
What pleasure or delight in my life might be hindering my spiritual progress?
Do I regularly ask whether my entertainment and recreation glorify God?
How can I enjoy God’s gifts more freely by submitting them to His glory?Edwards reviewed his resolutions weekly to keep even his pleasures accountable. Regular reflection purifies our delights. Resolution 27 calls us to a life where every joy points back to God.How does this resolution challenge your daily pleasures and delights? Share in the comments or on X (
@kateyakli
).We continue tomorrow with Resolution 28: Resolved, never to allow myself in any pleasure or delight that is not to the glory of God, or that tends to hinder my spiritual progress. (Note: Edwards repeated similar themes for emphasis.)This is Day 27 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-edwardsRooted in truth, growing in grace.
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment