Resolved, Never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion.

I’m working through the 70 resolutions of Jonathan Edwards and I’m on number 45. Edwards is talking about being consumed here. He is saying that he wants God to be in control of his life 100%. You’ve probably heard people say before that they want God to be their number 1 priority. That might look something like…

1. God

2. Spouse

3. Kids

4. Work

Edwards is going further than this. He’s saying that he wants God to be in charge of his marriage, in charge of his parenting and to take control of his ministry. The apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” This is what Edwards is saying. It’s all about Jesus for him. John Wesley, who co-founded the Methodist denomination, was quoted as saying, “Catch on fire and others will love to come watch you burn.” He is saying the same thing that Edwards was saying.

The kingdom of heaven has been most powerfully advanced by men and women who were more than just committed. They were more than dedicated. They were more than involved.

They were obsessed.

They were on fire.

They were consumed.

There is a difference between the two and it is profound. Where are you?