Resolved for Momentary Glory

Every moment is a gift from God. It is entrusted to us to magnify His name. Unfortunately, we tend to waste it, particularly when we fail to recognize its value and how it can be redeemed for momentary glory.

In his fifth resolution, Jonathan Edwards resolves to transform transient moments into eternal opportunities for glorifying God. He provides us with an approach to time—a resource often squandered but immeasurably valuable—calling for deliberate and sanctified use of each moment granted by God.

Resolved, never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can.

Jonathan Edwards

Stewarding Time for the Glory of God

Edwards captures a commitment to the sanctity and purposeful use of this valuable resource by devoting “never to lose one moment of time.” In a conventional sense, he means avoiding idleness and pursuing productivity. At the same time, he points to the spiritual discipline of recognizing time as a finite resource entrusted to us by God. He is determined to live each second under the awareness of God’s presence and sovereignty.

Scripture teaches us to approach time with wisdom and intentionality. “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15-16). Time can be consecrated for higher purposes rather than wasted on useless choices. Steward it as an offering to God, infused with potential for His glory.

Improving Opportunities for the Glory of God

Stewarding your time involves improving upon your opportunities. This is what Edwards means by not wasting your time “but to improve it most profitably.” He recognized the intrinsic value that time presents. He was only content with elevating its worth by aligning it with profitable, meaningful endeavors that reflect divine purposes, inviting us to assess our daily activities through eternal significance.

When interacting with the world, God instructs us to “walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time” (Col. 4:5). It requires us to be strategic and discerning when witnessing those not yet in the faith. However, we are pressed further to do the same with those who are. “As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). Improve opportunities by investing your time in what truly matters in the grand scheme of God’s kingdom.

Maximizing Possibilities for the Glory of God

Edwards tripled down on his redemption of time. He desired maximum effort as much as “I possibly can.” He intended to push the boundaries of what is possible through human effort while recognizing human potential devoted to the glory of God. He was not advocating self-reliance, but entrusting himself to God’s power and providence. The Lord gave him strength.

Scripture tells us to “do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). There are no exceptions. Every moment belongs to the Lord. Every opportunity, no matter how mundane, is a possibility to magnify Him. Extend your reach for the glory of God, empowered by His spirit and guided by His love.

We ought to join the psalmist in his prayer, “Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” (Ps. 90:12). With the wisdom and power of God, we can steward, improve, and maximize our time for the glory of God transforming our transient moments into eternal offerings of worship.

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