Resolution 56Sample

“Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be” (Edwards, 1722/1723, Resolution 56).

If the first part of Resolution 56 is a call not to quit, the second points to a resolve not to ease up. Edwards’ phrase “nor in the least to slacken my fight” assumes there is no neutral ground in the Christian life. He is correct in this conviction. You are either actively resisting sin, or you are slowly giving way to it. There is no coasting. The danger is not always visible in open rebellion. More often, it is a matter of quiet compromise. A small concession here, a tolerated habit there, a delayed obedience that seems insignificant in the moment. Edwards understands that these small slackenings rarely stay small. Left unchecked, they form patterns, and those patterns shape the direction of your life.

This is exactly the tension described in Galatians 5. The flesh and the Spirit are set against one another (v. 17). They are not indifferent forces. They are in active opposition. That means your desires are not neutral either. There are moments when you genuinely want what is right, and moments when something in you pulls the other way. Scripture does not treat that lightly. It does not say, “manage it” or “minimize it.” It calls you to walk by the Spirit, to actively align yourself with what the Spirit produces rather than what the flesh craves (vv. 24–25). This language is directional and deliberate. You are choosing, moment by moment, which influence you will follow.

Slacking in the spiritual fight rarely feels significant in the moment. It feels like a delay, a distraction, or a justification. You tell yourself it is not a real problem, that you can deal with it later. You may even tell yourself you deserve a break. But over time, those small decisions begin to dull your sensitivity to sin. In light of the Scriptures, Edwards pushes against that drift. Do not ease up. Stay engaged. Not because you are trying to earn anything, but because you recognize what is at stake in your spiritual formation. Ephesians 6:12–13 reminds you that this is a real spiritual battle, not merely a bad habit to correct. First Peter 2:11 calls you to abstain from passions that actively wage war against your soul (e.g., sexual immorality, self-centeredness, pride, vengefulness). And Colossians 3:5 exhorts you to put sin to death, not to try to manage it.

Sanctification is not passive. If you are not actively resisting sin, you are functionally yielding to it.

Lord, You know how easily I drift when I am not paying attention. Guard me from small compromises that grow into larger patterns. Strengthen me by Your Spirit to resist what is sinful and to walk in what is righteous and true. Keep me alert, engaged, and dependent on You. Amen.

• Where are you most tempted to “slacken” in your fight against sin right now?
• What small compromises have you been excusing that may be shaping larger patterns of your behavior?
• What is something real and tangible you can do to actively walk by the Spirit starting today?