Jonathan Edwards and Resolutions (35): Is Your Quiet and Calm Disturbed?

Resolution

35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.

Commentary

We live in an anxious day and age. From panic attacks all the way down to that consistent, deep pit in your stomach that tells you 'something's not right'. Could some of this inner turmoil be addressed by reflecting on our duties? Edwards seemed to think so, and he was committed to searching himself until he was satisfied with the answer.

Let me break down for us what duty could mean. Duty can mean the condition of our inner man- that is, our heart posture before God. Are we worshipping regularly as members in good standing at our local church? Are we committed to private spiritual exercises like prayer and Scripture intake so that our affections may be warmed from Christ? How about our relationships? Does the gospel affect the way we treat our spouse and children and other people?

Duty can mean our work responsibilities too. Paul encourages those in Thessalonica:

11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing. (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NKJV)

Are you working hard? Do you go to bed tire? Are you committed to your business- whether that be building homes with wood frames or building homes through the nurturing of children?

The bottom line is that Christians are called to live a type of life. A life that acknowledges and is consistently mindful of the Lordship of Jesus in everything. When we neglect this duty, the Holy Spirit of God disturbs our peace. So evaluate yourself today. Are you tending to your duties?