In 2012, thanks to a rapper named Drake and the supercharged vehicle of social media, “YOLO” became a popular acronym. It stands for “You Only Live Once.” Though the message of YOLO is test the limits, it became a justification to live life irresponsibly. The answer to drunk driving, parking illegally, disrespecting parents, and missing class was simply YOLO. Its underlying meaning is that my life is mine and I get to live it how I want to.
YOLO, however, can point us to a few important truths about life:
• Life proceeds from God. Every human being owes his existence to the Author of life. God breathed the breath of life into Adam, and he became a living soul (Genesis 2:7; Job 33:4; Acts 17:25).
• Life is precious to God. Since people are made in the image of God, they’re precious and valuable to Him (Genesis 1:26-27).
• Life should be lived for God. Since life is a gift from Him, humanity’s posture toward God should include reverence and a commitment to live responsibly according to His standards as outlined in Scripture (Ecclesiastes 12:13). And those standards for life should make us suspicious of our own—causing us to reject the cultural meaning of the YOLO motto while making a full admission that life isn’t found in us, but in God alone. As Jeremiah 10:23 says, “I know, LORD, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course.”
Life is temporary, and death is by God’s appointment. After we die, we’ll live eternally either with God or apart from Him. It’s wise, therefore, to submit our lives to Jesus and spend our days following His ways, for He’s the true Source of life.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Exodus 20:1-22
More:
Read James 4:13-17 and consider what our response should be to the brevity of life.
Next:
How will you live differently this week as you consider God’s view of life and its meaning? What will you do to become a more faithful and responsible manager of the life He’s given you?
Gary Shultz on February 15, 2015 at 7:20 am
To me, when God’s influence is rebuffed and arrogant entitlement rules in it place God’s order for life is ignored. Life is precious and originated from our loving Father as you state and should be lived in concern for others. We all see the yolo influence smash into other yolo thinking and when the smoke clears many lose. You can probably tell this is upsetting to me, no it angers me. I have to refocus and realize this is the world we must show God, and anger only fuels the situation. I need more love and wisdom in these situations; the love Christ gave me. Thanks
ruthannabrams on February 15, 2015 at 12:23 pm
No matter what you “call it” (YOLO or otherwise) trying to “live your life like you own it” always leads to destruction. We are born believing we are in control but truth states w are in control of nothing. For some of us, it is not until our life has had a “train wreck” do we realize how little we are in control. Indeed life is very precious (you’ll know how precious when you no longer have any control in your life and you are spinning out of control!) and each and every moment should be cherished. Most of us spend our time running away from God who created each one of us — I am speaking of non-believers and believers here! … when we should be doing just the opposite. Run towards Him! Notice I said run and not walk. I think some times we need to go in the “wrong direction” just so we can find the One who really loves us. It is just for some of us we take that journey right to the limit! Do you remember the “Me Generation?” That is what YOLO reminds me of. That didn’t work and neither will YOLO! So what does work? When we get into the presence of the Living God and rest in His Love .. this is something you learn to do so when your world is turning upside down and sliding down the drain, trust Him. It is an amazing feeling and people look at you and your life and wonder how you can be at such a peaceful state. You KNOW He is in control and you also KNOW He will calm the storms. You just Know. (Today’s devotion means a lot to me. My son, David, and my husband, Craig — backed away from God and this devotion reminded me of what I needed to do. “Let go and let God!” It begs me to trust Him to call them both back to Jesus through the work of the Holy Spirit. The best thing I can do is pray for them. I have thought of many Bible verses but the best one is about the prodigal son and “the prayers of a righteous man (woman) availith much.” Thank you for this gentle reminder of how I can show Jesus I am trusting Him.)