Reckless Faith: Embracing A Life Without Limits

by Kevin G. Harney

In a world where we tend to be over-cautious about, well, nearly everything, it's no surprise that our obsession with safety can carry over to how we live our faith in the world. But it's always been risky to follow God, and Kevin Harney believes we are missing a vital part of our faith when we play it safe.
In this energizing book, he challenges readers to count the cost, take a chance, and live a reckless faith for the entire world to see. With a focus on "responsible recklessness," Harney shows readers how to develop a faith that others notice, always supported by prayer, wisdom, the direction of Scripture, and insightful counsel from other believers. He outlines how to be reckless in our love, generosity, service, relationships, prayers, and speech.
Perfect for pastors, small groups, or anyone who is tired of feeling domesticated and docile, this book will lead readers into a fresh devotion and dynamism in their faith.

Genres: Christian Living, Christian

208 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2012

Reviews

[Warren Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a Biblical, yet practical look at what it means to be a follower of Christ who considers the risk in serving God, but continues regardless of the consequences. It includes discussion questions which makes it suitable as a devotion or as a Bible study.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new author is always difficult to judge by the first book that is read, but in a sense this is a very middle of the tree addition to the preacher gone writer genre of Chrisitian books. A bit too formulaic, written from another angle but repeating a lot of points given by other authors - but Kevin G. Hearny manages to also add his own takes, stories and flare. I must admit that these kind of books are something that is read fast, and judged equally fast by the insight given, but sandly also forgotten about pretty fast. It is not a book that is amongst the one I would pick out after reading hundreds of books, but it is one that gave lot of input and inspiration while reading and hopefully something from here got stuck in my soul.

[Chrissy Garwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a helpful and thought-provoking book. I enjoyed the author's personal stories that were included to illustrate the key points, and I found the book easy to read. There are practical exercises to work through at the end of each chapter. There were challenges and affirmations, where I could connect with prior knowledge and gain a new perspective on things I've known for a while. I would recommend this book to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of what living for Jesus may look like in the twenty-first century.

[Christy Bower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life can seem boring—get up, go to work, come home to watch television, and go to bed so you can do it all over again the next day. Author Kevin G. Harney suggests that we have become domesticated, as human beings and as Christians. Life and faith are meant to be adventurous. Instead of vicariously experiencing adventure through movies, we are meant to get out there and lead great adventures.

The author invites us to have reckless faith, but he advises responsible recklessness, meaning we need to look before we leap by praying, gathering information, and seeking advice.
Reckless love, reckless generosity, reckless service, reckless relationships, reckless prayers, and reckless words—these are the areas the author suggests we can experience God’s adventure. While it’s true that these are worthy areas to stretch ourselves, I felt the development of the topics was somewhat predictable. He gave pastor answers (well, he is a pastor) and focused on witnessing (reckless words) or the importance of church attendance (reckless relationships). The main idea of reckless faith is so powerful and intriguing; I guess I felt a little disappointed by the “ordinary” applications.

I thought the section on prayer was well done because he focused on praying for God’s will to be done rather than our own—something Christians need to work on.

We are here to serve God, not be served by God. And we certainly aren’t meant to be upset with God for not doing what *we* want.

The section on generosity was well developed because he didn’t focus on money, as most pastors do. Instead, he focused on generous attitudes and doing as much as we can with what we have.
Yes, I’d recommend Reckless Faith. It will challenge your faith in one area or another. We are all in different places in our spiritual walk, but surely one of these categories will hit a nerve for you. We still have much to learn and more growing to do so anything that stretches us out of our comfort zones into reckless faith is worthwhile.

I give Reckless Faith by Kevin G. Harney four cups of love (Minus one for being a little predictable).

This review, with additional book quotes, first appeared on my blog, ChristyBower.com.

[Winston · Rating 4 out of 5]

RECKLESS according to this book involves Prayer, Perspective, Patience leading to responsible risks for God's glory. It is about risk not rashness. Its about God's will being done through your life which may seem to others as reckless and irresponsible but is Biblically based, prayerfully considered, thoughtfully discerned with believers and patiently carried out. Finished reading it but our Next Level Men's group has yet to finish discussing it and the many rabbit trails it has led us to and through!!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book encouraging authentic faith...beyond "churchy"...LIVING life!

[Brenda Wharton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book by a former pastor at Corinth reformed about being reckless for Christ with your time, talents and prayers

[Lisa Lewis Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book encouraging you to trust God and follow Him wherever He may lead.