“I love the recklessness of Faith. First you leap and then you grow wings.”
The above canvas was made by my sister, Sara. I was reflecting on this Sloane Coffin’s quote and the word recklessness stood out to me.
Webster defines recklessness as being “utterly unconcerned about the consequences of some action; without caution; careless.”
Loving recklessness or unconcern for consequences is probably not the first thing I would jump up and say…yep that’s me!
I tend to be someone who likes to make sure I am following the rules. I typically have things planned out. My mind is always analyzing the consequences of decisions that I have in front of me. I want to make sure I am doing the right thing for the right reason. Thinking about who may be affected and how.
In my leadership training and development role, I trained leaders using several books. One of these was “First Break All the Rules” by Marcus Buckingham. It became one of my favorite leadership teachings.
The rule follower’s favorite book, First Break all the Rules. Yep, that makes a lot of sense. NOT!
Initially that is a fair assumption, but let me give you my reasons.
Traditional management is a hierarchical style of management that emphasizes efficiency and control. It’s characterized by a clear chain of command, well-defined roles, and a focus on following rules and procedures. This book encourages leaders to break the rules on traditional management.
It encourages us to change our old thinking to a new way. This new way encourages leaders to focus on individual talents and strengths. God has provided us with unique talents. Instead of trying to put in what God left out, try drawing out what God left in!
There are several other great tips in the book, but I’ll leave that for your reading. :) I want to try and encourage a new way of thinking about faith.
When I think about recklessness in terms of faith, it makes sense to me. There were numerous times in the bible that Jesus asked others to leave everything behind and follow Him. Think about that…how many of us, not knowing much about someone, would take that kind of leap of faith?
“As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.” ~Mark 1:16-20 (NIV)
The disciples didn’t plan out what following Jesus would look like for them. They didn’t tell Him…wait…let me think this through! They took a leap of faith, trusted Him and grew wings along the journey.
It requires us to trust in His upside down thinking. Not worldly thinking, but Jesus thinking.
Jesus’ upside-down thinking involves identifying with the poor and oppressed. It also values those who are looked down upon in the world. God’s kingdom is different from the world’s kingdom. Those who are valued by God are not necessarily those who are valued by the world.
Taking a leap of faith requires us to be brave, to trust with all of our hearts. He calls to surrender our lives to Him, trusting He will help us grow and flourish as His faithful servants.
At once they left…Without delay…they followed Him.
I pray that I can live a reckless kind of faith. One that I will surrender all of my life to Him. I will take the leap He is asking me to take. I trust that He will provide me the wings I need to fly. I will soar in this life for Him.
With love and joy,
Laura
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