Calculated recklessness

There’s a calculated recklessness
to discipleship
they never told you about in Sunday School.
Didn’t mention it much in church, either.
A willing wild abandonment that, if you let it,
might take you anywhere;
everywhere. If you let it.
Across oceans, into sparse deserts,
crowded places, lonely places;
climbings beyond imagining,
and descendings well past our fearing.
Perhaps you will enter into realms of crisis and conflict,
occasional districts of comfort and peace,
and sometime regions of shadow and despair.

There’s a calculated recklessness
to discipleship
that is more likely to lead you into the blessings of poverty
than those of prosperity.
A determined irresponsibility
that may well put you at odds
with respectable lifestyles, polite politics,
and prudent planning.
Not to mention the family.

There’s a calculated recklessness
to discipleship.
At least, that’s what Jesus seems to be saying;
if you can believe him.

© Ken Rookes 2013