To What Are You Resolved? by Randy Cantrell

Resolved. The verb form means to reach a decision or make a determination. The noun form means firmness of purpose or a determination or decision; a fixed purpose. Some people are resolved to do certain things, or to avoid doing things. That is, they’ve made up their minds about some things.

The Bible contains many stories of resolve and determination. Moses, under God’s orders, negotiated with Pharaoh to let God’s people leave Egypt. He was resolved that God’s conditions of walking away would be met. Pharaoh made it hard, but Moses pressed on. God helped things along by bringing plagues on Egypt, but without the resolve of Moses to stand toe-to-toe with Pharaoh God’s people would have remained enslaved.

Abraham resolved to obey God even though he didn’t always know how God would see him through. He left home and family because God said, “Go.” Throughout his life he followed God’s commandments because he had his mind made up that serving God was the priority of his life. He trusted God.

David resolved to fight for God when he slew Goliath. Years later, as King, he sinned, but when confronted with what he had done – he resolved to repent. He couldn’t avoid the consequences of his sin, but he made up his mind that serving God mattered most.

Peter apparently resolved that if all other disciples forsook the Lord, it would never happen to him. He was wrong. That’s why we see him weeping after realizing that he had denied Christ three times. He resolved he’d live more carefully and more diligently from that moment forward.

Paul was resolved to punish Christians. He considered them a threat to his Jewish heritage and the Old Law. Blinded while enroute to Damascus he was forced by God to think about his behavior and his faith. When a man preached the gospel of Christ to him, he resolved to obey it. After his baptism he resolved to work as tirelessly for Christ as he ever had in working against Christ ignorantly.

Felix resolved to ignore the gospel message searching for a more convenient time to obey.

Agrippa resolved to almost consider what Paul preached.

The rich young ruler resolved to mourn because Christ commanded him to sell what he had and give to the poor, then follow Him. The Bible says, “He went away sorrowful, for he had many riches.”

So many stories of resolve. Some good. Some bad. Some happy. Some sad.

Resolve speaks to God’s own resolve that men make up their own minds. When God created us he gave us the ability to decide for ourselves. The entire gospel message is a message that appeals to the sensibilities of mankind. It’s rational. It makes sense to obey it. God wants us to want to serve Him because we’ve made up our own minds to do so. He won’t force anything on us.

Too frequently perhaps we’re like the squirrel. Resolved only for one moment in time, but searching for our next leap. We jump from one thing to another, never fully decided about where we ought to perch in life. As a result we fail to grow.

Growth is impossible when you’re not planted. Do a search on your Bible software for the words “grow” or “rooted.” The Lord expects His people to be resolved to obey Him no matter what. He insists we be rooted and grounded in the Truth so we can grow, bear fruit and reach Heaven.

In 1896 James H. Fillmore, Sr. wrote the hymn “I Am Resolved.”

I am resolved no longer to linger,
Charmed by the world’s delight,
Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
These have allured my sight.

I will hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee.
I will hasten, hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee.

I am resolved to go to the Savior,
Leaving my sin and strife;
He is the true One, He is the just One,
He hath the words of life.

I am resolved to follow the Savior,
Faithful and true each day;
Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,
He is the living Way.

I am resolved to enter the kingdom
Leaving the paths of sin;
Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me,
Still will I enter in.

I am resolved, and who will go with me?
Come, friends, without delay,
Taught by the Bible, led by the Spirit,
We’ll walk the heavenly way.

To what are you resolved?