YOLO

 A Call To Action!

YOLO!!!! A young man screams this as he takes a running leap off of a second story rooftop into a pool below.

YOLO!!! Chants a fraternity as a new (and underage) member succumbs to the pressure of chugging his first beer bong.

YOLO!!! A teenage girl tells herself as she makes the decision to let her boyfriend take her virginity.

YOLO!!! A husband whispers to himself as he justifies flirting with his female co-worker. What could it hurt? It's only flirting. He's already crossed the line and he knows it, but YOLO has become the catalyst to the exciting land of infidelity.

YOLO!!! You only live once. Those words have been whispered, spoken, shouted, screamed, tattooed, chanted, tweeted, and hashtagged by millions of people over the last several years, "Similar to carpe diem, it implies that one should enjoy life, even if that entails taking risks. The phrase and acronym are both used in youth culture and music, and were both popularized by the 2011 song "The Motto" by Canadian rapper Drake." (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YOLO_%28motto%29)

The Momentum Behind The Words

We all know the sobering statistics:

100% of those who drink clean water will die.

100% of stringent exercise and healthy dietary regimens lead to death.

100% of healthy births lead to death.

The leading cause of death - at first glance - would appear to be life. Since we're all destined to die, we need to make the most of every situation. Nike says, "Just Do It." Popular culture tells us, "If it feels good, do it." The Ashley Madison slogan is, "Life is short. Have an affair." Even the Bible says, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die" (1 Corinthians 15:32).

If that's the case, then YES - YOLO - do anything and everything, regardless of the risk. Make the most of every moment, without consideration of the consequences. Take otherwise stupid risks for the sake of pleasure, adventure, and excitement.

The Reality

Isn't that interesting how someone can take a snippet out of the Bible and twist it to fit whatever they are trying to say? What I just did there with the 1 Corinthians verse is called proof-texting. That's where words, a verse, or a phrase is pulled out of context, then manipulated in an attempt to validate whatever argument or point the writer/speaker is trying to make. That is a dangerous game to play. If I had stopped there, how many people would have taken what I had written, and then used it to justify a foolish choice?

You see, in context, the Apostle Paul was writing to the church in Corinth to remind them of the evidence and proof of Christ's bodily resurrection from the grave, which in turn validates our bodily resurrection from death into eternal life through Jesus. He writes, "If the dead are not raised, 'Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.' Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.' Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God- I say this to your shame." (1 Corinthians 15: 32b-34).

That makes things clear. Don't be misled by foolish teaching, there is indeed life after death. We need to come back to our senses and stop sinning. When I was having my last and final affair, I had not yet come to my senses. 

I now undoubtedly hear those words, "Bad company corrupts good character" with regret. My wife sensed something "off" about the woman as we were all involved in a group project at church. I dismissed her warnings and told her that she must be either imagining it, or that she was making something out of nothing. Even though my wife could not substantiate her concerns, she had a credible feeling that conversation, or any kind of friendship with that woman were not going to be beneficial. I justified my actions with a similar mindset of YOLO, pursued the friendship, and eventually had an affair. [A side note/lesson for all married people - ALWAYS VALUE AND TRUST YOUR SPOUSE'S CONCERNS - DO NOT DISMISS THEM.]

We Do Live Only Once   

The Bible makes it clear that people are destined to die once, and then face judgment (Hebrews 9:27).

The Bible also makes it clear that life is not the cause of death, but rather sin is the cause of death. Or to be more specific, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

Workers receive their wages for completing a job. Humanity receives death as our wages for sin.

So the age-old phrase, "Carpe Diem," as well as the recently popularized "YOLO," are certainly inspiring and soaked in reality when we consider the frailty of our lives and the uncertainty of how long each of us has left until we breathe our final breath.

How To Properly YOLO

Live every moment in life to it's fullest potential for the glory of Christ Jesus. "For everything in the world-the lust of the flesh...of the eyes...comes not from the Father but from the world" (1 John 2:16). "Flee sexual immorality...whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body" (1 Corinthians 6:18). Control your body with strict self-discipline, so that you will not be disqualified from the prize of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:27). Or don't you know? Your body is actually a temple of God, so honor Him with your body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). "Flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness" (2 Timothy 2:22a). "Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires" (Galatians 5:24).

You see, as believers in Christ Jesus, we are called to something much higher than simply giving into our carnal cravings. Those cravings can become intense and consume us if we don't keep our eyes fixated on Christ Jesus, the author, perfecter, and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).