Live Like That

Every once in a while a song gets stuck in my head.  There’s one that keeps creeping up quite often by a Christian group, Sidewalk Prophets.  The song is titled, Live Like That.  Here’s a link on YouTube, if you’d like to listen to it for yourself.  I’ll also include the words at the bottom of this thought...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfosSggwQS0

I like words.  I’m a little odd in that respect.  I even like dictionaries.  I enjoy exploring meanings...and, often, my quiet-times get sidetracked as I chase the rabbits of words down trails I never expected to explore.  I spent some time chasing two particular words from this song:  recklessly abandoned.  

Reckless (adj.) /rek.lis/:   1) utterly unconcerned about the consequences of one’s actions; 2) characterized or proceeding from careless unconcern.

Abandoned (adj.) /uh.ban.duh.nd/:  1) forsaken or deserted; 2) unrestrained or uncontrolled; 3) utterly lacking in restraint; 4) to give up control of, to yield without restraint or moderation.

Isolate these two words and both have a negative connotation.  I’ve known people whom I would have characterized as reckless.  Very scary.  They’re just like definitions one and two.  When I think of these kinds of people, I think of driving in Kenya.  Most drivers didn’t think about what might be up ahead, and around that next corner; they just passed the car in front of them anyway.  Reckless – it’s why I saw so many accidents, and dead bodies, on the side of Kenyan highways.

I’ve also known people who’ve experienced abandonment, as in definition one.  Very sad.  I am close to some gals who lived abandonment.   Deserted by dad and mom, these friends survived homelessness before they turned 18.  As a result, trust doesn’t come easy for these women.   

But...put these words together...and put them in a spiritual context...and the meaning is completely different.  Very smart.  Recklessly abandoned takes any control of my life, and my ministry, out of my own hands, and gives it completely to Jesus.  In his hands those things are much safer.  Very safe.  In those hands, I can rest peacefully, because those hands are good, kind, and...sovereign.  Recklessly abandoned  doesn’t care what others think.  Recklessly abandoned only cares what Jesus thinks.  Recklessly abandoned only does what Jesus would do.  Recklessly abandoned is unconcerned un-control.  I am no longer concerned that my life is not my own; it’s just Jesus’ life.  Jesus’ ministry.  Jesus-focused. 

I want to live like that. 

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Sometimes I think
What will people say of me
When I'm only just a memory
When I'm home where my soul belongs
Was I love
When no one else would show up
Was I Jesus to the least of those
Was my worship more than just a song

Chorus:

I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You
If love is who I am
Then this is where I'll stand
Recklessly abandoned
Never holding back
I want to live like that

Am I proof
That You are who you say You are
That grace can really change a heart
Do I live like Your love is true
People pass
And even if they don't know my name
Is there evidence that I've been changed
When they see me, do they see You

(Chorus)

I want to show the world the love You gave for me
I'm longing for the world to know the glory of the King

(Chorus)

Sidewalk Prophets © 2012