There often seems to be a lacking of personal accountability in our world. In fact, it seems like personal accountability is a dying skill, much like cursive and Latin.
That’s why I love that Edwards built personal accountability into his 23rd resolution. And I don’t think it’s any coincidence that he chose his fourth resolution as the most direct aim for his personal accountability.
Jonathan Edwards Resolution 23
Edwards’ Resolution #23 (in my modernized language) 23. Resolved: Be frequently intentional and sincere in taking action, even if it is not normal for our culture, to promote God’s glory as a form of personal accountability in holding true to the 4th resolution.
Be Intentional in Promoting God’s Glory
In the start of his resolution, Edwards first says that he would take “deliberate action” for the Glory of God. In our modern time, I equate that to “being intentional.”
That means we cannot be content to let it happen. Therefore, we must be active participants in promoting God’s glory. Of course, he doesn’t need us to do it and he will be just fine.
However, in his grace, he allows us to be a part of it.
Personal accountability is almost a dying art. I think that is why Edwards make sure to resolve to hold himself accountable to his resolutions.
Be Willing to Live Outside of Normal
The next thing Edwards notes about intentional action is “which seems most unlikely to be done.”
When I first read this, I thought it to be a critique of culture and society. Although, as I studied it and prayed over it, I came to a new understanding.
Edwards was saying that he has to be willing to standout. That means, we should also be willing to be outliers. We have to be okay with being uncomfortable because we might be acting in ways that are not considered “normal.”
I can share how this plays out in my life. At some point, I chose to start sharing 1Glories posts on LinkedIN. What makes this peculiar is the fact that LinkedIN is not a typical forum for such content. In addition to that, I risked ridicule and perhaps professional damage in my actions.
On the contrary, though, I have connected with more folks and gotten comments from peers via LinkedIN than I ever expected. Additionally, I have not suffered any career damage, nor have I gotten one negative comment (on a post or otherwise).
Making Personal Accountability Personal
So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God. – Romans 14:12
At the end of our days, though we may be surrounded by loved ones, we enter into eternity very much alone. So, as we are called, that fearful moment of giving an account to God meets us. That might leave us asking ourselves, did my character and conduct, my words and actions = my existence – meet with God’s favor?
Undoubtedly, your self-examination is yours. And how you live your life is up to you.
However, remember there is going to be a moment of personal accountability. That means we should be active and intentional in acts that don’t detract from God’s glory, whether it fits status quo or not.