Series on Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions: Resolution 29

Never to Allow Any Pleasure That Hinders Spiritual Progress

By Rooted Africa (

@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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Series on Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions: Resolution 28

Never to Speak or Act Against the Glory of God

By Rooted Africa (

@kateyakli

)Jonathan Edwards had resolved never to allow any pleasure that did not glorify God (Resolution 27) and to cast away anything that caused doubt about his salvation (Resolution 26). Now he sharpened his commitment to protect God’s glory in speech and action.
Resolution 28
Resolved, never to speak or act against the glory of God, or the good of my neighbour, or my own good, in any respect.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved never to do or say anything that would dishonour God, harm his neighbour, or damage his own soul. Every word and action must pass the test of glorifying God and doing good.
This resolution is a comprehensive guardrail. It covers not only obvious sins but also subtle ones — careless words, selfish motives, gossip, exaggeration, or silence when truth is needed. Edwards wanted his entire life to be positively aligned with God’s glory and the good of others.
Why This Matters Today
In our age of quick comments, social media hot takes, and private complaints, it is easy to speak or act in ways that dishonour God or hurt others without thinking. Many Christians separate “spiritual” talk from everyday conversation. Edwards reminds us there is no neutral zone — every word and deed either glorifies God or opposes Him.As Ephesians 4:29 says: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
Applying Resolution 28 Practically
Before speaking or acting: Pause and ask, “Will this glorify God? Will it do good to my neighbour? Will it harm my own soul?”
In conversation: Replace gossip, criticism, or exaggeration with words that build up and give grace.
In decisions: Choose actions that honour God and serve others, even when inconvenient.
Habit: Make it a daily practice to review your words and actions with this triple test.This resolution trains us to live with consistent integrity — where speech and conduct are unified under God’s glory.
Reflection Questions
In what areas do my words or actions most often fall short of glorifying God or doing good to others?
How can I become more intentional about this triple test in daily life?
What would change if every conversation and decision had to pass the test of God’s glory?
Edwards reviewed his resolutions weekly to catch any speech or action that opposed God’s glory. Regular reflection keeps the heart aligned. Resolution 28 calls us to a life where nothing we say or do dishonours our King. Where do you most need to apply Resolution 28 this week — in speech, in actions, or in silence? Share in the comments or on X (@kateyakli).
We continue tomorrow with 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. (Edwards often reinforced similar themes with slight variations for emphasis.)This is Day 28 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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