“Following Jesus with reckless abandon.” Recently I read this in a new release by Lee M. Cummings School of the Spirit and it made me stop. I read it again and then I put the book down, leading me to be quiet. When I am quiet my soul is restless.
According to thefreedictionary.com, the term reckless abandon means “with rash, unrestrained impulsiveness, enthusiasm, or zeal”. Shutter.
Does every part of you cringe with the idea of doing something unplanned?
Oh, perhaps it’s just me. The idea that perhaps something may occur that did not make it into my planner makes me hyperventilate. Don’t get me wrong, I can take a surprise or two. I can even shuffle a schedule around to help a friend without batting my eyes, but this is because the rest of my life is so well planned out.
The struggle is what does this mean then to follow Jesus with a reckless abandon? Even if you are not a “planner” and live more impulsively, are you doing it for Jesus?
Three ways to know that you are following Jesus with a reckless abandon:
- Putting God first, everything else (including myself) last
Matthew 4:18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.
21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Everytime I read this scripture I am blown away. These men just left it all. THIS is with reckless abandon.
Granted we no longer live in a time where someone is standing directly before us, but we are able to still put Him first.
As a mom, I feel as though I am constantly putting others first and myself last, but can I honestly say it is for Jesus?
We can put Him first in our finances through tithe. The Starbucks coffee everyday may feel like survival, but instead I can use the daily $6 for His Kingdom.
In our marriage and children we can put God at the center through prayer and commitments. I am certainly not suggesting you abandon your family but we can make important decisions with Christ in mind.
With our everyday routines we can make a commitment to start the day with Jesus before anything else.
Matthew 22:36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
This is also putting Him first with those we don’t easily love.
Here is where the challenge comes, do you feel as though the things you are currently doing would be defined as a “reckless abandon” for Jesus?
- Privilege to serve God not to have a privileged life
Living in the United States IS living a privileged life without a doubt, but it goes beyond that; think comfort. Oh how I love comfort. Comfortable big sweatshirts and sweats, fluffy blankets, a warm coffee, and the comfort of my routine.
If you have been watching the news you may be extremely disheartened from the 20 year anniversary of 9/11, the recent hurricane destruction, the unrest in Afghanistan, to Covid deaths. We are living in a world of devastation and now is the time to do the things that are uncomfortable for Jesus.
To reckless abandon for Jesus we have to be willing to step away from our comfort, to do what seems impossible. Look at each of the disciples, they were prisoned, beaten, and several murdered for their belief in Jesus.
Recently we have been in the search of a new church and it isn’t easy. We all want certain things and I am beginning to think it is the comfort we desire. But at what point will comfort transform any of us to make a difference? It won’t.
When I am comfortable, I stay exactly where I am and ready for a nap.
- Live on purpose
In the early 2000’s, I think just about every person read The Purpose Driven Life searching for the one answer that would direct them to finding purpose for the rest of their life. When I read it I was still in my early 20’s and it did not give me the cut/dry pathway I was looking for.
Who am I kidding, now almost 20 years later and I still want the color by number direction for my life. I don’t want to guess where I am supposed to be, I want to know.
Matthew 16:22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”
23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
Can you imagine having the 100% certainty for your life’s purpose that you can recognize when the people you love’s concern might not be in the right direction? Phone a friend has been a part of my life long before Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. If I am unsure about a decision, I call a friend. If I need to talk through the meaning of a conversation, I call a friend. If I feel God pulling me in a direction, I call a friend. Why? Because I do not want to make a rash, reckless decision!
But the fact is others seemingly good thoughts can get in our way of our purpose.
When we allow the Holy Spirit to direct His purpose in our lives we can rely on the scripture to guide us.
Are you ready to put Him first, live a life without comfort, and live on purpose with reckless abandonment? I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and if I am completely honest, I am not sure either, it sounds well… reckless.
I am on this boat along with you! I think I’ve had a deep desire to experience God’s power in my life, and I don’t doubt it comes from more willingness on my part to walk by faith and not by sight.