This acronym for “You Only Live Once” has become particularly popular in today’s school of thought. The idea that one should go all out with no thought for tomorrow or the consequences of one’s actions is not a newfound or original initiative. Almost as old as history itself I would imagine. I too held to this belief for many years. I had no consideration for others, no deliberation about my actions and certainly no reflection on what had been done. These processes of thought would take way too much time from my daily affair with self-preservation. My central focal point was “ME”. Careful attention and attentiveness had to be paid to my habits, dependence and cravings. I truly believed that my short time here on earth was all I would have and my goal was to search out and acquire every pleasure that was physically obtainable. “You Only Live Once” resonated within me.

The truth is, YOLO is accurate, to a certain degree. Humanity will only get one chance at our life here on earth. We are created in a fleshly dwelling to physically live and die one time. The difficulty with YOLO is the agnostic theory that when you die it all ends. The notion that there is no life after death is atheistic in belief and is the backbone behind the well liked and fashionable YOLO premise.

Even the Bible clearly states that there is a time to be born and a time to die.  (Ecclesiastes 3:2)  But what happens after bodily death? Is there really an afterlife or do I just return to dust? Well, I thought you would never ask!

Almost every religion worldwide supposes on an afterlife. Most obtain their doctrine of where you will stand in the post mortem are obtained through what you did here on earth. If your good outweighs the bad then you are granted a pass to enter into the here after. The spiritual world will welcome your soul into eternal rest. Some religions are pronounced with harems of virgins for those unblemished souls who were fortunate enough to perform up to standard. Still others believe that you can meditate you way into a consciousness and oneness with your Creator and thus gaining access through the doors of eternity. The conflict with these outlooks  and the YOLO standpoint is in the essential doctrine of how much good must one perform to obtain salvation.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

There are many religions in the world. There are many people who follow each religion. There are many who claim no religion at all. And there are many who are following the YOLO philosophy,  not knowing that they have created a religion all their own.

YOLO’s approach gives no thought to afterlife. It also gives very little thought to life here on earth. The notion that you can do whatever you want with no consequences has been proven over and over again to be false. Go ask someone who is doing a life sentence in prison for intoxicated vehicular manslaughter or someone dying from HEP C because of intravenous drug use if they are paying the price for what they did here on earth. I think you know what they would say. They would tell you exactly where YOLO got them.

Another scripture for you:

Make no mistake about this: You can never make a fool out of God. Whatever you plant is what you’ll harvest. If you plant in [the soil of] your corrupt nature, you will harvest destruction. But if you plant in [the soil of] your spiritual nature, you will harvest everlasting life. Galations 6:7,8

There is a cost to be paid for every action.

So Brian, where do I go from here? I have done so much bad and I don’t want to reap the harvest of the seeds I have planted. If this is you, and you want to find freedom from the heaviness of the life you have created there is an answer.

My reaction to these questions was a heartfelt cry out to God as we know Him from the Bible. The only one that I know that could offer me more than peace of mind but could present to me salvation for my soul. Christ has promised us forgiveness of our sins, serenity for our soul, harmony with our Creator, strength when we are weak and an everlasting life with Him in Heaven.

An easy and effortless prayer can set you on the path to eternal and undying life with our Maker. If your hearts desire is to live not just in the moment of YOLO and make a positive change in your life, Jesus is your answer. If your desire is to break free from YOLO and have not been able to find the right path then Jesus is your way. If  you are left empty and craving more out of life than YOLO then Christ can fill you.  If your yearning is , “There has to be more to life than this” then Christ Jesus wants to complete you.

Please say this prayer with me. The words are not as important as the longing of your heart.

Heavenly Father, I have done things that I am not proud. I know I have done wrong in your sight. I want to find freedom from YOLO. Father, I ask you to forgive my wrongdoing through the blood of Christ who died for me. Wash me clean and give me a fresh start. Please help me to find the freedom I am searching for. I give my life to You God and I pray that you give me strength and show me the path that leads to everlasting life with You. Thank You Father. Through Christ Jesus my Lord and Savior I pray, AMEN

If you prayed that prayer from the heart for the first time or the fifty-first time I welcome you to the family of God. You are one of His children. You have just broken the grip of YOLO! And as a child of God you have certain unalienable rights such as eternal life with Him.

Chances are you may know someone who is a Christian. Seek this person out and tell them of your newfound faith. Tell them of your desire to serve the Living God. Find yourself a church and worship God in spirit and in truth. Get your hands on a Bible and let the Living Word began to transform your life by the renewing of your mind. And give thanks to God every time you think about Him. I promise that He is faithful and He will not let you down!

If you need some Christian guidance please feel free to leave a comment and I will do my best to point you in the right direction.

God loves you and so do I!