Resolution 41

41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.

Commentary

Edwards had a keen self-awareness and the discipline to regularly audit the quality of his character and work. To be self-aware is to be mindful of things such as your character, motives, desires, and abilities. We aren't a very self-aware culture and I think this is because we do not practice silence and solitude disciplines. Our own distracted hearts and minds are the culprits, but external factors such as unbridled technology exacerbate the issue and amplify the noise. They can quickly become enemies of silence and solitude.

Silence and solitude foster a space for us to be self-aware and to perform self-audits in light of the gospel. Edwards had a daily rhythm of silence and solitude before God and he guarded this space so that he could

(a) Know God

(b) Know himself better

For the purpose of savoring Christ more and becoming more effective for His kingdom.