Reckless Theology
Theology matters. Words matter. Adjectives matter.
Worship music and lyrics ought to flow out of our theology. We should not develop our theology from our music and lyrics, but many Christians do. Therefore, worship lyrics matter. All lyrics matter as they either correctly or incorrectly reflect the theology that we believe, and therefore live by. Lyrics should reflect the truths of scripture, not initiate new truths, or state half-truths, or imply non-truths. When lyrics are off base, that can lead to an off-based theology, which can further misinterpretation and misapplication about God and His Word. There is absolutely no place for reckless theology in the Christian faith. Neither is there any place for reckless worship lyrics about God. Just as there is no place for reckless sermons, though there are many. Just check out most of the TV preachers on the Christian channels preaching prosperity nonsense.
The ancient Hebrews knew there was no place for recklessness in their faith. They would not even utter the name of God; one for fear of infringing on His holiness, and two, because they would not take the risk of being careless (reckless) with His holy name. That was serious stuff to the people of that day. It ought to be the same to the people of this day as well. Remember that Jesus warned us about our careless (reckless) words, “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Mt. 12:36-37
When I was ordained in 1987, my pastor, Ernest Weedon, whom I very much respected and still do, allowed me to choose anyone I wanted to choose, to deliver my ordination sermon. I was 25. I chose my professor of Philosophy from Houston Baptist University, Dr. Keith Putt. Seems strange that a conservative, Baptist Christian would ask a philosophy professor to deliver his ordination sermon, doesn’t it? The reason that I chose Dr. Putt was because he taught me, and challenged me to think critically about my faith, and about life. He also taught me that it was not only ok to think this way, but that it was good to think this way. And I am forever indebted to him, as I use these skills every single day as I view life, faith, and theology, through the eyes of my perception and interpretation. It is our perception of life, faith, and God from which we live, breathe, and act. The apostle Peter, referring to his two epistles, said, “I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking,” 2 Pt. 3:1 NIV. In other words, it is a good thing to think correctly about faith and life. Even this uneducated, brash, fisherman knew the value of good, critical, correct thinking. And so should we.
Which brings me to the issue that prompted this tirade. There is a current, popular, catchy worship song on the radio, and sung in churches that speaks of the “reckless love of God.” Since hearing the song, I have always struggled with this thought, that anything about God could be “reckless.” My friend, Webster, defines the word “reckless” as “marked by lack of proper caution: careless of consequences” or “irresponsible.” I think it more likely that the author of the song is the one who was reckless.
I cannot think of a single instance that I have ever heard the word, “reckless,” used in a positive manner. It would be like taking the word, “ugly,” and referring to those ugly Rocky Mountains, or the ugly vast ocean. It would be like someone referring to the “atrociousness” of the life of Mother Teresa. The words just don’t go together! Perhaps in an attempt to be “cool” and “relevant,” some have misplaced the need to be accurate. The church should beware. And Christians should beware.
To say that God lacks anything, or that He is careless or irresponsible about anything, goes completely against everything that scripture teaches. The song implies that God’s love is so “reckless” that He pursues us without thought to the consequences of His actions. I find such thinking, well, reckless. What scripture teaches is the very opposite of this. Scripture teaches us that God, knowing FULL WELL the consequences of pursuing sinful humanity with His overwhelming and undeserved love, CHOSE to do it anyway! There was absolutely nothing “reckless” about it! Quite the opposite! God’s actions were conceived, planned, calculated, thought through, initiated, instigated, and completed by the very purpose and will of God. To say that was reckless is mindless, careless, and completely false. Yes, even reckless.
God knew exactly what He was doing when He planned to send His Son to die for the sins of those who would follow Him, and give their lives to Him. He knew the pain, the shame, the agony, and the humiliation that dying naked on a cross in public would bring to His Son. And yet, not only did He do it, but He CHOSE to do it. And He CHOSE to do it for you and me! There was absolutely nothing reckless about the single greatest love event in human history. It was exactly the opposite! It was designed, deliberate, and specifically detailed out in the mind of God before the creation of the world. That is anything, but reckless!
4-3-22