Wisdom Wednesday: The Wisdom of Resolutions
Submitted by Debbie’s Dad
“I will establish his kingdom forever if he resolutely performs [Lit. be strong and do] My commandments and My ordinances, as is done now.”1 Chron 28:7 NASB 95
“Then when he [Barnabas] arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart [Lit. purpose of heart] to remain true to the Lord” Acts 11:23 NASB 95
This is the season of New Year resolutions–a time to resolve or resolutely determine to commit to something–to achieve a goal, an accomplishment, a habit, and so forth. Are such commitments biblical? To discuss this, we distinguish two categories of commitments mentioned in the Bible- resolutions and vows.
Resolutions are a firm determination of the mind and a commitment of the heart. In the passages above, such a commitment is considered a positive attribute for a believer–a resolution to follow the Lord. One famous believer that determined to record the ways in which he would follow the Lord daily, was Johnathan Edwards (1703-1758), the American missionary, theologian and pastor. He listed 70 resolutions in his journal as a young man and re-read them every week. Among those, he focused on revealing God’s character (Glorifying God) in all that he did: [1]
Resolution 1: “Resolved: I will DO whatever I think will be most to God’s glory; and my own good, profit and pleasure, for as long as I live.”
Resolution 4: “Resolved: Never to do anything, whether physically or spiritually, except what glorifies God.”
Resolution 23: “Resolved: Frequently take some deliberate action – something out of the ordinary – and do it for the glory of God.” He also notes in this resolution that if his motive was not for God’s glory, he considers it a breach of his 4th Resolution.
Just writing down resolutions to keep them in mind, and review (as Edwards did) can be of great benefit.
Vows are stronger than resolutions, they are solemn promises to God. These are commitments we make and require serious attention. Consider these two warnings:
- ” If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or takes an oath to bind himself with a binding obligation, he shall not violate his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.” (Numbers 30:2)
- “When you make a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not delay to pay it, for it would be sin in you, and the Lord your God will surely require it of you. However, if you refrain from vowing, it would not be sin in you. You shall be careful to perform what goes out from your lips, just as you have voluntarily vowed to the Lord your God, what you have promised.” (Deuteronomy 23:21-23)
Vows can be a wise commitment to the Lord, but they must be taken solemnly. Jacob made a vow that if God gave him safety, he would set up a place for God’s house (Gen 28:20-22). Hannah made a vow to the Lord, seeking a son – and when the Lord provided Samuel, she kept her vow (1 Sam 1:11). David encouraged the people to make and fulfill vows to the Lord (Psalm 76:11). The Bible records one vow that many consider to be foolish – the vow of the Israelite warrior Jephthah. (Judges 11:30-31) Vowing to the Lord a sacrifice if he was able to be successful in his battle against the Ammonites, he promised to sacrifice as a burnt offering, “whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace …” His conquest conquered 20 cites and brought peace, but when he returned home, his only daughter came to greet him, not an animal. The intriguing account of the outcome of how he fulfilled his vow (11: 32-40) has puzzled Biblical scholars for years. But this is a warning about the serious nature of vows.
Resolutions and vows to begin the new year (or anytime) are good and thoughtful ways to commit to walking with the Lord. But they are to be taken seriously and an opportunity to be diligent and solemn about growing in Christ.
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[1] The Works of Jonathan Edwards, Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1834; reprinted 1992, Vol. 1 pp. xx-xxi.