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Never to Allow Any Pleasure That Hinders Spiritual Progress
By Rooted Africa (
Resolution 29
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 — lawful or otherwise — if it did not glorify God or if it slowed down his growth in holiness and closeness to Christ.This resolution is a strong safeguard against subtle drift. Edwards understood that even good things (rest, entertainment, food, friendship) can become hindrances if they dull the soul, waste time, or weaken spiritual appetite. He wanted every delight to fuel, not hinder, his pursuit of God.
Why This Matters Today
Modern life offers endless pleasures and distractions. We often justify “harmless” indulgences — binge-watching, endless scrolling, comfort eating, or oversleeping — without asking whether they help or hinder our walk with God. Edwards challenges us to examine every pleasure through a spiritual lens. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us, even eating and drinking must be done to the glory of God.
Applying Resolution 29 Practically
Before any pleasure: Ask honestly, “Will this refresh my soul and draw me closer to God, or will it dull my spiritual appetite?”
In daily choices: Choose activities that strengthen rather than weaken your walk with Christ.
In moderation: Enjoy God’s gifts gratefully, but never let them master you or steal time from prayer and Scripture.
Habit: Regularly review your pleasures and ask, “Are these helping or hindering my progress in godliness?”This resolution keeps pleasure in its proper place — as a servant of spiritual growth, not its competitor.
Reflection Questions
What pleasure or habit in my life might be subtly hindering my spiritual progress?
Do I regularly evaluate my entertainment and rest through the lens of God’s glory?
How can I enjoy God’s good gifts more freely by ensuring they serve my growth in Christ?Edwards reviewed his resolutions weekly to catch any pleasure that hindered his progress. Regular reflection protects spiritual vitality. Resolution 29 calls us to a disciplined enjoyment of life that fuels, rather than slows, our pursuit of God.
How might this resolution change the way you approach pleasure and rest this week? Share in the comments or on X (
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 never to speak or act against the glory of God or the good of his neighbour (Resolution 28) and never to indulge in any pleasure that did not glorify God (Resolution 27). Now he reinforced the same principle with even sharper focus on spiritual progress.Resolution 29
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 — lawful or otherwise — if it did not glorify God or if it slowed down his growth in holiness and closeness to Christ.This resolution is a strong safeguard against subtle drift. Edwards understood that even good things (rest, entertainment, food, friendship) can become hindrances if they dull the soul, waste time, or weaken spiritual appetite. He wanted every delight to fuel, not hinder, his pursuit of God.
Why This Matters Today
Modern life offers endless pleasures and distractions. We often justify “harmless” indulgences — binge-watching, endless scrolling, comfort eating, or oversleeping — without asking whether they help or hinder our walk with God. Edwards challenges us to examine every pleasure through a spiritual lens. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us, even eating and drinking must be done to the glory of God.
Applying Resolution 29 Practically
Before any pleasure: Ask honestly, “Will this refresh my soul and draw me closer to God, or will it dull my spiritual appetite?”
In daily choices: Choose activities that strengthen rather than weaken your walk with Christ.
In moderation: Enjoy God’s gifts gratefully, but never let them master you or steal time from prayer and Scripture.
Habit: Regularly review your pleasures and ask, “Are these helping or hindering my progress in godliness?”This resolution keeps pleasure in its proper place — as a servant of spiritual growth, not its competitor.
Reflection Questions
What pleasure or habit in my life might be subtly hindering my spiritual progress?
Do I regularly evaluate my entertainment and rest through the lens of God’s glory?
How can I enjoy God’s good gifts more freely by ensuring they serve my growth in Christ?Edwards reviewed his resolutions weekly to catch any pleasure that hindered his progress. Regular reflection protects spiritual vitality. Resolution 29 calls us to a disciplined enjoyment of life that fuels, rather than slows, our pursuit of God.
How might this resolution change the way you approach pleasure and rest this week? Share in the comments or on X (
@kateyakli
). We continue tomorrow with Resolution 30: Resolved, to strive to my utmost to act as I would do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and the horrors of hell. This is Day 29 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.
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