When it comes to self-help, there’s no shortage of advice to be had. Accentuate strengths and downplay weaknesses. Ignore your weaknesses by delegating those areas to others. Seize the day. Be bold. Have guts. Get resilient, of fierce. Get up every time you get knocked down. Don’t sweat the small stuff (but, oddly, pay attention to the details).
Wow. It’s no wonder we’re all messed up. And it’s no wonder our society – especially the newly emerging generation — is so anxiety ridden. It’s both a fear of the unknown, and a lack of confidence in a loving and gracious God.
Edwards must have seen this play out during his time, because it seems that Resolution 26 speaks directly to the question of self-doubt.
Jonathan Edwards Resolution 26
Edwards’ Resolution #26 (as it was written)
Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.
Edwards’ Resolution #26 (in my modernized language)
To rid myself of anything creating doubt in my assurance of God’s love and grace.
Self-Help for a Nation in Fear
I have this “terrible” tendency to take on empathy for what I am writing about. To do a topic justice, I do everything I can to truly connect with and live in it as much as I can. That’s great if I am writing about most historical topics or general happy themes. But what about when I write about depressing matters, like mental health, poverty, injustice, and Hell?
Yeah, my moods – and those around me – suffer.
In a lot of ways, I have found Edwards to be a very depressed individual. In his resolutions, he longs to live so Godly a life, that he seemingly deprives himself of God’s goodness. What’s more, he is so concerned about the impending wrath of God, he’s constantly questioning his eternal state.
Not to diminish one’s desire for a God glorifying lifestyle or concerns over eternal residence, but this manner may be problematic. It’s so because it’s leading to fear, paranoia, and isolation. In such a state, and when examining life as closely as Edwards had, you might conclude it’s simply impossible to live in this world.
Unfortunately, so many have and took drastic measures to get out. If you are even thinking along those lines, PLEASE click here (now! Don’t even finish reading this post).
While this was likely true of Edwards’ time, it’s obviously evermore true today. Our culture is one that gives us countless reasons for fear and anxiety. Mass shootings. Drug abuse. Political unrest. Constant social injustice. There’s an endless array of sides, but it seems like none are coming together to provide solutions.
And it’s because few of them want to acknowledge that Jesus is the answer. And, sadly, those that do can’t even find enough common ground for advancing His truth.
We’ve taken on the role of being a nation of fear.
The D’s of the Devil
I have a theory about how the Devil works in this word. I don’t have any Biblical basis – just personal observations. It seems like he uses a very small arsenal of the same weapons – things like pride, vanity, greed, lust, and comfort – to wedge God’s people from God. One could credibly argue these are traits of selfishness at heart.
These selfish traits, then, are the carrots held out for us to grasp after.
The sticks, for these metaphorical rewards, are the D’s of the Devil — Distortion, Deception, Division, and Disruption. So often, we’re prone to act on misinformation or distrust when it threatens us from having our carrots. For example, when your pride is at risk, are you prone to lose focus on the bigger picture of your purpose? What about your personal judgment when you’re enticed by something you know is too good to be true?
Sadly, even the most dedicated of Christ followers are not immune. Too often, when God’s people can’t get along or agree on basics that may or may not even be Biblical, a church splits. New denominations form. A layperson may become a church planter simply because he or she might believe they can “do church” better.
The Pursuit of God and of Peace
Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you’ll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God’s generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God’s lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God’s blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears.
– Hebrews 12:14-17 MSG
As people in this world, we’re constantly on the go. We’re sending and receiving more messages to more people at a faster pace than ever. And it’s not going to slow down. We busy ourselves with work in the pursuit of many things. Let that pursuit be less of your own agenda and go confidently knowing you’re assurance in Heavenly eternity – as a follower of Jesus – is never in doubt.
Here’s some suggestions:
Observe God
God is at work in his creation. Always. Unfortunately, so too is the Devil. Stop and observe what is going on around you. Is the Devil deceiving, distorting, dividing, or disrupting an area of your? Is he close to achieving his favorite D – Devouring?
Look to God. Perhaps he’s trying to show His purpose in allowing the charade to exist in your life?
Observe Yourself
This speaks right to the heart of Edwards’ resolution: what in you is causing your doubts or fears? What is it about how you’ve responded to happenstance that has allowed you to be deceived? What distortions, divisions, or disruptions are happening that you could set right? Perhaps you have a big role in being a peacemaker.
Observe Others
The only way to be a peacemaker is being willing to reside in “no man’s land” for Jesus. Try to get along. It may mean giving up a bit of your own pride or personal agenda – but remember that it’s never about you. It’s all about Him.
To God Be All Glory, Honor, and Praise.