Reckless Abandon

<p>Good morning, Five Minute Families. Do you follow Christ with reckless abandon? What does that even mean? Are we suggesting you become religious fanatics? Nope. What does reckless abandon for Christ looks like in the family setting?</p><p>First, let’s define our terms. Reckless means ‘without thinking or caring about the consequences of an action.’ So, if we say that a person is reckless, we are saying they do not care that their behavior may have a dangerous or negative effect on someone. Abandon as a noun means a ‘complete lack of inhibition or restraint.’ If a person behaves with abandon, they have no inhibitions or restraint, which can be negative or positive. Combined, however, the phrase ‘reckless abandon’ - generally - leaves a much more positive impression. It is an idiom that the Free Dictionary defines as ‘to behave “with unrestrained impulsiveness, enthusiasm, or zeal.” Reckless abandon for our purposes is defined as “going into something wholeheartedly and with no concern for danger.”</p><p>Reckless abandon in following Christ is not a new concept. Spiritual giants such Oswald Chambers and Elisabeth Elliot spoke about reckless abandon. Oswald says that when “God comes… you must be determined to recklessly abandon yourself.” Elisabeth Elliot said it this way, “I have one desire now – to live a life of reckless abandon for the Lord, putting all my energy and strength into it.” </p><p>So, with that positive perspective in mind, let’s talk about how a family - your whole family - can follow Christ with reckless abandon.</p><p>1. Five-minute families must choose to exercise discipline in the spiritual practices. We have discussed these at length before, but for illustration purposes, here are two examples… Choose church attendance over not pushing yourselves (and the kiddos up and out the door). Now, that isn’t about LEGALISM! And, for the second example, begin praying together and separately for one another. Have a plan for each member of the family; the internet abounds with prayer plans you can dow