The Dictionary defines ‘resolve’ as encompassing the following clauses:
- To make a firm decision about.
- To decide or express by formal vote.
- To change or convert:
- To remove or dispel
- To melt or dissolve (something).
- To reach a decision or make a determination: resolve on a course of action.
- Firmness of purpose; resolution.
- A determination or decision; a fixed purpose.
- A formal resolution made by a deliberative body.
Resolves train our mind to adhere to a pre-determined ideal or pre-drawn conclusion and cause us to obey foremost without thought or prejudice, the strength of our convictions. Resolves act as benchmarks against which all future decisions and actions are measured, they fix our gaze upon our firmest beliefs and compel us to be true to ourselves above all else. The institution of our resolves safeguards us also from the tempting alluring of emotion. Emotions have a way of disguising our innermost thoughts and convictions – through their manipulative screen of confusion and mistrust, they cause us to defer away from rationale and the principles by which we’ve always aspired to live. We succumb to the immediacy of their pressure and, unless we have firm convictions set in place before our weak moment of confrontation, we shall have no platform from which to fight.
Jonathan Edwards, a pastor and theologian living in New England in the 1700’s, set in motion the principle of resolutions. 70 rules were written by him throughout his life to make his journey one marked by remarkable distinction. Disciplines of the mind, laws of the spirit and principles of the heart formed a list of resolutions by which his life would be forever benchmarked. By focusing his mind and interpreting by pen the aspirations of his soul, Jonathan Edwards became a man marked by great character by all whom he encountered… he remained true to himself.
Taking Jonathan’s example, I have determined to set my own standards by which to live, to articulate my aspirations however unrealistic they may seem and set conditions and benchmarks upon which I shall strive to never waver nor concede defeat.
