And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Mark 12: 30-31

In just a few days we will turn the page on another year Perhaps more than any year, people are looking forward to a change in dates. It is a time for resolutions and a hopeful outlook for the New Year. This morning, I heard a woman at church talk about her longing to hug other people again. That’s a simple resolution, but what will it take to make it come true?

A few years ago, I came across a list of resolutions compiled by Christian preacher, philosopher, and theologian Jonathan Edwards. One of the most striking observations in the list is that Edwards made these decisions very early in life – before his 21st birthday. You can view the entire list with a click here.

“I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age.” ( July 8, 1723).

Edwards was determined to live a life without regrets. We can’t go back to those early years in our own lives, but we can learn from this list from nearly three hundred years ago and resolve to live a life of communion with God in the years ahead.

According to the words of Christ above, it all begins with a deep and abiding love for the LORD. When we love God with all our hearts, our souls, our minds, our strength it encompasses every aspect of our life.

What one action can/will you take to confirm your love for God going forward?