Y.O.L.O.

                                    Be very careful, then, how you live —not as unwise but as wise,
                                                    making the most of every opportunity...
                                                                (Ephesians 5:15-NIV)

When we stopped to get gas on our way to Florida, Y.O.L.O. came walking out of the BP store sprawled across a young man’s t-shirt. “Y.O.L.O.? I wonder what that stands for?” I asked Gary. He couldn’t say. Later, we passed Y.O.L.O. on a billboard as the tagline for a vacation resort. Several times we caught a glimpse of it driving away on a bumper sticker. Apparently it’s all the rage. Who knew?

Y.O.L.O. may be a new acronym for you but it’s meaning “You Only Live Once” has been around for aeons. I’ve been known to offer the sentiment every now and again, especially when it concerns an extra chocolate chip cookie or slice of cheesecake. The idea beckons followers to shun risk and discretion in order to live in the moment. It can be an excuse for irresponsible behaviors. Disregard good judgement and just go for it. You only get one shot. You only have one life to live. Enjoy it while you can.

The essence of Y.O.L.O. that we only live once is profoundly and fundamentally true. We do only live once. That is what God has been trying to get through our thick heads and hard hearts since the days of Eden. Thanks to Adam and Eve, you, me, we all only live once on this earth. It is the very reason Jesus Christ came and shed His blood on the cross for us.

In Deuteronomy 30:19 God says, “I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life.” God created life and has set before us a life that can be amazing and wonderful. A life filled with love, laughter, sunshine, purpose, excitement, babies, flowers, hope, peace, butterflies, sexuality, contentment, forgiveness, rest, satisfaction and chocolate. The list of good things God has for us goes on and on.

You do only live once. Why not live it to the fullest for the one who gave you that life in the first place, and made sure you could have it a second time in eternity? Everyday we have a choice, either to do those things that lead to life, or do things that do not bring us closer to God and may ultimately lead to death. Y.O.L.O. ~ Make it count for God.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for the life you have given me. Help me to live it in a way that is pleasing to you. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

In His Word,
Reverend Dee Dee

(Note: Thank you to Dr. Ben Cathey for his musings on this subject.)