The Sword of Reckless Abandon

You’ve poured your heart, soul, and strength into work, hobbies, and projects—but have you ever surrendered everything to the One who gave it all for you?

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God’s Promise:

Romans 12:1 – “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

In the 1990s, I built a fitness facility in New York—a massive 25,000-square-foot project. I poured my life into it. Every dime, every waking moment, every thought. I lived and breathed that gym. I was proud of what I accomplished—raising the capital, designing, building, and making it my own. I thought I was on top of the world.

But it consumed me. It took everything I had—physically, emotionally, spiritually. In the end, it left me with nothing. Bankruptcy. Divorce. Regret. I had abandoned myself to something that never had the power to sustain me.

That experience taught me a hard truth: when we give ourselves fully to the wrong things, we are left empty. But when we abandon ourselves to God, He fills us with everything we need.

Look at what God did for us—He gave everything. He abandoned Himself for us, sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, to the cross. Not part of Himself. Not just a portion. He held nothing back. That is what salvation is—total surrender, not just a one-time decision but a life of reckless abandon to Him.

I had abandoned myself to a business that failed me. But God calls us to abandon ourselves to Him, where there is no failure—only eternal love, purpose, and strength.

Moses understood this kind of dependence. When Israel faced battle, as long as Moses held up his staff, they prevailed. But his arms grew weary. He needed help. Aaron and Hur stood beside him, holding up his hands (Exodus 17:12). Victory didn’t come from Moses’ strength—it came from his surrender to God’s power and the support of those around him.

The same is true in our homes. Leading our families isn’t about building something impressive in our strength—it’s about surrendering everything to Christ. It’s about leading by faith, not by our own efforts.

When you abandon yourself to God, you stand strong—not alone, but with your spouse and children by your side, with the sword fo reckless abandon in hand, as God works through you.

Today’s “Shepherding in Action” Value:

Total Surrender – When we fully surrender to God, we become strong, faithful leaders for our families, guiding them with Christ at the center.

Reflection Questions:

1. What have you given your all to that left you empty? How can you shift that passion toward God?
2. Moses needed others to help him fulfill his calling. Who in your life strengthens your faith, and how can you lean on them more?
3. What does surrendering fully to God look like in your leadership at home? What’s one step you can take today?

Bible References:

• Romans 12:1 – Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.
• John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.
• Exodus 17:12 – Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side.

A Prayer for the Man of the Shepherd:

Father, I have abandoned myself to many things in this life—things that have left me empty. But today, I surrender fully to You. Lead me as I shepherd my family, leaning on Your strength, not my own. May I serve with reckless abandon, just as You abandoned Yourself for me. Amen.

My Personal Journey:

These weekday reflections flow from my time in God’s Word. I invite you to join me and other Men of the Shepherd in building Christ-centered homes—leading, discipling, and serving like Jesus. If these reflections encourage you, please like, share, and pass them on so more men can grow in their calling.

To follow along with the weekday readings, check out our Weekday Reflections Playlist on YouTube or subscribe to the YouTube channel here.

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Surrender