Few Americans have stamped the collective consciousness of our country like Jonathan Edwards. He was an intellectual prodigy, entering Yale University at the age of twelve. And he is buried at Princeton University, where he served as president until his death in 1758. Edwards was the author of dozens of volumes, both theological and inspirational. He sparked America’s First Great Awakening with his sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.”

Yet his greatest legacy may be his offspring, which includes more than 300 ministers and missionaries, 120 university professors, 60 authors, 30 judges, 14 college presidents, 3 members of Congress, and 1 vice president. How would you like to have a progeny like that? That legacy, like every spiritual genealogy, traces back to defining decisions in life. Edwards had such a defining moment of decision when he wrote down 70 resolutions that would become the foundation of his faith and practice for the rest of his life. He would revisit these resolutions once a week throughout his entire life.

Though every one of them may not be practical for you, Edwards shows us that a well lived life doesn’t just happen; it requires intentionality. Continue reading The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards →