Jonathan Edwards led an exemplary life seemingly in all respects. His 8th resolution is somewhat peculiar based on that fact…

Resolved, To act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings, as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God. 

That nobody had been so vile as I. The longer I’ve been in ministry, the more I’ve noticed that there is a pedestal that people may try to put you on. This resolution speaks to me because I heard Edwards saying that he tries to keep it real. It’s not about hanging your head and brow beating yourself to death but you have to keep it real.

What does keeping it real look like for you? I’ll tell you what it looks like for me.

1. A real prayer life

I don’t want to have pretenses when I pray. I let God know where I’m at and I seek him to meet me in that place. It’s not about how reverently you say things. Relationship is messy and it shouldn’t be any different with God.

2. I have a tight marriage

My wife is my best friend and I’ve fought for that. I share pretty much everything with her and she is my biggest supporter. That relationship has not come easy but we are in the best place we’ve ever been in.

3. I have some really close friends.

I have fought to have transparent relationships. Relationships where people know me and aren’t impressed with me. I tell them what I struggle with and I am not a pastor in those relationships…I’m just Russo.

What do you do to keep it real? There is a real danger to living life on a pedestal and it is definitely not healthy spiritually. Let’s learn from a phenomenal preacher in Edwards and let’s strive to keep it real.