Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) is considered by many to be one of the most significant American theologians. Even with such an intellect and depth of theology, Edwards maintained a keen focus on his pastoral responsibilities and his personal life in relation to God.
Jonathan Edwards was the only son of Timothy and Ester Stoddard Edwards. He had ten sisters—four older and six younger. He was the son and grandson of pastors. At the age of 13, Edwards was sent to Yale College to continue his education. There, after reading Timothy 1:17, his view of God expanded. He saw God as good, beautiful, and sovereign over the universe.
At age 19, Edwards moved to New York City and served as a supply pastor of a small Presbyterian church. He maintained a view of the moral life which was shaped by his Puritan Heritage, and felt a constant need to confess his sin.
After he had lived in New York for some time, his father helped him obtain a position at a church in Connecticut. Less than a year later, he became a tutor at Yale. Four years later, after battling significant illness and spiritual depression, he was ordained as assistant pastor to his grandfather. In July of that same year, Edwards married Sarah Pierpont, and just one year later, they had their first child.
Edwards worked under his grandfather for six years, and upon his grandfather’s death, he became senior pastor of the church in Northhampton, Massachusetts. It is said that his most significant pastoral contributions were made during his time at this church.
The Great Awakening, a period of tremendous spiritual revival, was taking place in America, kindled by the preaching of George Whitefield. Edwards was a supporter of Whitefield, and followed up Whitefield’s itinerate preaching with a series of sermons. Edwards’ community—even his own family—began experiencing spiritual awakening.
In 1750, after controversies between Edwards and his congregation concerning life and doctrine, he was dismissed by the church. He became pastor of a frontier church and missionary to the nearby Indian villages. Edwards’ son-in-law, Aaron Burr Sr., was the president of College of New Jersey (which later became Princeton University). When his son-in-law died, Edwards filled the vacancy of President until his own death, a few months later, from the small pox vaccine.
Jonathan Edwards had a brilliant mind, a squeaky voice, a love of hot chocolate, and a lasting legacy as one of America’s most important and original philosophical theologians. (Source: historicaltheology.org)
Recently, I discovered that Edwards recorded 70 resolutions—self-imposed measures to help him manage his whole life—from his thoughts to his words and behaviors. He wrote, “Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat Him by His grace to enable me to keep these resolutions so far as they are agreeable to His will, for Christ’s sake.”
We will examine each of his resolutions over the weeks ahead (for just a few minutes each). Let’s start with Resolution #1!
“Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God’s glory, and my own good, profit, and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general.”
I take this to mean that Edwards resolved to endeavor—no matter how long it took and no matter how much time was required—to do those things that would bring about God’s glory and his own good—and which would benefit mankind.
This first resolution is a broad statement, more of a vision or direction for the future as opposed to a specific goal.
Setting a broad vision gives one a standard against which to base all other goals. In organizational planning, we often say that the Vision is where you want to be, the Mission is why you exist, and the goals should be aligned with your mission and pointed directly to your vision.
What is your vision for your life? What is your True North?
It is never too late to put pen to paper and resolve to stay focused on your True North.
In the next podcast, I will delve deeper into the concept of True North for Christians. Until then, let’s consider this week why we are here (Mission) and where we are going (Vision). Let’s resolve to stay focused in 2022, letting God lead each and every step along the way.