Lawson, Steven J. The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards. Orlando: Reformation Trust
Publishing, 2008. $13.08.
Last week, I had the opportunity to read The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards by Steven J. Lawson. Dr. Lawson is the senior pastor of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama. He is the author of many books and articles and has a two volume commentary on the Psalms in the Holman Old Testament Commentary Series.
I really enjoyed reading this short biography concerning the resolves of Jonathan Edwards. Edwards was man who loved God and wanted to evidence the grace of God in his life through the pursuit of godliness. At the age of 18, Edwards took about a year to devise seventy resolutions. These resolutions were personal mission statements that would guide and discipline him in his pursuit of holiness.
There are three things that I would like to highlight that make this small book a delightful read. First, Jonathan Edwards made a resolve to live a life that brings honor and glory to God (1 Cor. 10:31). As believers, we should follow the wisdom of Edwards and resolve to live a life pleasing to the Lord. In everything that we do, we should ask ourselves…Is this something that pleases the Lord? Is this something that will bring God glory?
Second, Edwards made an effort to read over these resolutions once a week. It is always a good idea for us to reflect on our life in order to see the evidence of salvation. In the gospels, Jesus says a tree is known by its fruit (Matt. 7:15-20). The Bible promises that those who are in Christ will produce fruit according to the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Therefore, let us always be endeavoring to produce fruit that shows that we are Christ followers (Matt. 3:8).
Lastly, Jonathan Edwards did all that he could do to not waste time. Do you know that we can never get a second of our lives back? As Christians, what are we doing to redeem the time? When it comes to tasks, activities, and hobbies, we must ask ourselves…Is this ___________ worth doing? There are times in our life when we will have to cut stuff out to keep it from being so cluttered. There will be times when “everyone is doin’ it,” but your family will not. Be courageous and diligent to gain control of your life by resolving to live every minute to the glory of God!
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to pursue a life of godliness. It is not a full biography of Edwards, but is a excellent book to get your feet wet concerning the life and piety of Jonathan Edwards. In the words of the hymn writer Palmer Hartsough:
I am resolved, and who will go with me?
Come, friends, without delay;
Taught by the Bible, led by the Spirit,
We’ll walk the heav’nly way.
Blessings,
Matt Martin
Trained in Truth 