I sat on a jury a couple of weeks ago. In the trial we were asked to determine whether the defendant had violated a court order. The word "reckless" was in the language of the accusation. Knowing how some people in our society like to make up their own definitions, the word "reckless" (as well as several other words) was carefully defined for us by the judge as we were going to use it in determining our verdict.

The word "reckless" means "not regarding consequences; headlong and irresponsible; rash" (Webster's New World Dictionary). The defendant knew the terms of the court order. That fact was established by his own admission in the trial. We had to determine if he had acted in a way that showed a lack of regard for the instructions in the court order and the consequences for violating the court order. It was not hard for us to see that he had, indeed, acted recklessly and we found him guilty.

As I heard the legal definition of the word "reckless" I could not help but think of man's responsibility towards God and His law. Considering the definition above, how many people act recklessly with regard to God's law? They do what they want to do, without regard for what God has said or the consequences for violating God's authority.

This behavior is not new. The Children of Israel acted recklessly when they made a gold calf at Mt. Sinai (Ex. 32). Nadab and Abihu acted recklessly when they offered strange fire before the Lord (Lev. 10:1-2). Jephthah acted recklessly when he made a rash vow (Judges 11:30-31, 34-35). David acted recklessly when he attempted to transport the ark on a cart (1 Chron. 13).

Interestingly, the word "reckless" is not found in the King James Version of the Bible, but the word is used in other translations.

Solomon said, "One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless" (Prov. 14:16 - ESV). This verse reflects the definition of "reckless" very well. Being cautious is the exact opposite of being reckless.

God said the words of the false prophets who were deceiving His people were "reckless." "'Behold, I am against those who prophesy false dreams,' says the Lord, 'and tell them, and cause My people to err by their lies and by their recklessness..." (Jer. 23:32 - NKJV). "Her prophets are reckless, treacherous men..." (Zeph. 3:4 - NASU). These false prophets were acting recklessly in lying to the people.

In 2 Timothy 3:1-5 Paul warns of perilous times that will come in the last days. Several terms are used in these verses to describe the godless people of that time. In verse 4, both the New American Standard Bible and the English Standard Version translate the Greek word propetes as "reckless." The New King James Version uses the word "headstrong."

The English Standard Version also describes the Prodigal Son as one who "gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living" (Luke 15:13). The Prodigal was acting wastefully, irresponsibly, and without regard for the consequences of his actions.

Someday we will stand before the Lord in judgment. He will know whether or not we have been "reckless" concerning His authority and His law. Are we living irresponsibly before God? Are we living without regard for the consequences of our sins? Are we living recklessly? If we are, we need to repent.