Resolved for Complete Glory

We compartmentalize by nature, but God wants every part of us to Glorify Him. Renewing our minds is only the initial step in the spiritual transformation process. Scripture teaches us that God desires to “sanctify you completely” (1 Thess. 5:23) so that whatever you do, be it “word or deed” and thought or action, is done unto God’s glory (Col. 3:17).

In his third resolution, Jonathan Edwards resolves to a life where every thought and deed is an offering to God’s glory. He recognizes that a complete offering of self will result in a complete magnification of God in his life.

Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.

Jonathan Edwards

Focused Completion for the Glory of God

Edwards understood that intentionality means every decision, regardless of size, is an act of worship. His vow “never to do any manner of thing” encompasses all aspects of life—mental, emotional, and physical—except for “what tends to the glory of God.” It is a high bar for purposeful living. Every moment becomes an opportunity to honor the Lord, transforming even the smallest of choices into significant offerings to God.

In practice, this calls for a reflective pause in our routines to ensure our behavior and actions are aligned with God’s will. It also demands a conscientious filter applied to every thought that is conceived in our minds. The Christian should undergo continuous reformation. He is his own quality control expert—measuring and improving his whole self for God’s glory.

Genuine Completion for the Glory of God

The extent our self-assessment reaches beyond mere behavior. Edwards emphasized this, “soul or body, less or more.” He was devoted to going deep in his self-examination. Nothing was too small or too big. It is a holistic dedication to God. He desired the internal landscape of his soul and the external realm of his actions to be in concert, playing the song of God’s glory.

Paul begs us to consider the question, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” (1 Cor. 6:19). We are possessions of God, “bought with a price” and meant to honor Him from the inside out (1 Cor. 6:20). Every facet of our existence weaves into a vibrant worship tapestry, making our lives a resounding anthem to God’s glory.

Vigilant Completion for the Glory of God

Finally, Edwards was not under the false pretense that it would be without hardship. His resolve is deepened to “nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.” He was determined to stand against any force that might dim the light of God’s glory, even if it hurt.

This is why Paul reminds us to “put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil,” which war against your efforts to glorify God (Eph. 6:11). It involves vigilance and steadfastness. It might require difficult choices, severing ties, confessing sins, confronting falsehoods, and more. Suffer to achieve completeness.

Do not compartmentalize. Instead, surrender your all to the magnification of God. Strive in the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in you to align every thought and every deed with the divine purpose that calls you to a higher existence.

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