Because YOLO

Philippians 4:4-9

I wonder if Drake knew what he was starting, in back 2011 when he told us, “You already know though - you only live once ‒ that’s the motto…YOLO,” Did he know scores of young (and not-so-young) people would adopt this as their anthem, pledging their loyalty to questionable decision making…?

“Wanna see me do a hand stand while driving this motorcycle? YOLO, dude!"

“I dare you to head butt that wall as hard as you can – haha, YOLO!!”

Some folks online refer to YOLO as the “Carpe Diem for stupid people” because it provides license to live recklessly.  Life is short and you only live once – so seize the day, live it up!  A guy in California Tweeted that he was drunk driving at 120 mph at 1am - #YOLO -  and then he lost control of his car, crashed it and killed himself with four other people.  In the Christian community, YOLO is often actively discouraged because of its hedonistic connotations.  Fast cars, money, sex, drugs, rock & roll…

We’re days away from starting a new year.  This is my very most favorite time of the year.  Not the actual Christmas season (I know - *gasp* - but stick with me people, my favorite holiday is Easter, ok?).  It’s the few days leading up to another new year - I love it!  Not because of the resolutions; I’m actually not that resolution-y.  Because it’s a time when I can look back over the past year, at what God brought me to and through.  Whether that’s my Grandpa’s funeral on my birthday (yes, really), or getting a puppy (I love you, Malachi!), or eating grapes in Barcelona on New Year’s Eve (it’s a thing, I swear).  I can look back on a relatively small span of time and see the strength, the love, the mercy that my God showed me as I traversed life in the palm of His hand.

So like I said, I don’t do resolutions. I didn’t lose ten pounds last year or the year before that (ok fine, let’s keep it real – I gained 20lbs instead, but whatever).  I didn’t make it to the gym every single day and I ate cereal out of the box for dinner more than once in 2014.  I already know chances are good that in 2015 I will drink more Sprite than water and I will probably not run a half marathon (again) next year either.  That’s ok, though, because YOLO, right?

Here’s the thing.  I actually like YOLO.  A lot.  Not because it gives me the freedom to eat the dough before I make the cookies…because YOLO is a commitment to seizing the opportunity to live passionately.  As Christians, what are we the most passionate about?

Jesus.

So, when I look back over 2014, seeing all the ways God has walked with me, guided me, stood with me…I know, that I can enter 2015 with the confidence and the passion of my First Love.  When I see an unbelieving friend having a hard day, I find the courage to ask her if we can pray together – because, YOLO.  I can lead a Bible study for the first time, that includes new and pre-Christians, because YOLO.  I can financially support a ministry I believe in, because YOLO.  I can give selflessly to people who don’t understand “No, you do not owe me one” – because YOLO. 

It’s true; we only live once.  As Christians, we know that once happens to be forever, but while we’re here, on this earth, coexisting with countless people whose YOLO has an expiration date – shouldn’t we make this life a good one? I, for one, plan to seize the day – everyday.  I want to do everything I can in this life to live passionately for my Savior.  I want to close my eyes and take the leap into His arms in 2015, shrieking “YOLOOOOOO!” Because although my “once” may be eternal, my time on this earth is not.  I want to let God work through me whichever way He will, every single moment that I’m here – because YOLO. 

“Desire that your life count for something great! Long for your life to have eternal significance. Want this! Don’t coast through life without a passion.” John Piper

(I know some of you will just love my quote selection's author, lol - look past that! xx) 

 

 

 Love y'all...