Is “you only live once / YOLO” something a Christian should live by?

Answer

YOLO (an acronym meaning “You Only Live Once”) is a term that refers to a carefree, do-what-you-want attitude toward living. A popular motto since around 2011, YOLO is often used by individuals wanting to draw attention to an exciting event in their lives or to justify their irresponsible behavior.

The hashtag YOLO can be seen across social media, tagging everything from “I’m consuming a whole bottle of hot sauce! #YOLO” to “Purchasing a third new car! #YOLO.” The YOLO philosophy advocates for experiencing everything you can before you pass away, regardless of the consequences, and living as if today is the only day that matters. You only live once—so you might as well seize the opportunities when they arise.

Some may argue that the Bible promotes a YOLO attitude in Ecclesiastes 8:15, where King Solomon writes, “So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.” However, the context of this passage imparts a deeper lesson about finding joy and gratitude for what God has bestowed upon us. All that a person gains through their labor in this world is meant to be enjoyed, and they should be cheerful and content with the gifts they receive. Solomon is not advocating that we should live our lives solely for indulgence and pleasure.

It is true that “you only live once,” and that reality should prompt us to live cautiously in the sight of God (Psalm 90:12;Hebrews 9:27). Additionally, there is nothing inherently wrong with trying new things or even taking calculated risks. However, the YOLO philosophy is not about living prudently or making wise decisions; it’s about taking reckless risks, upping the ante, and, in many instances, disregarding the conse

Sequences. However, living as if your life is only the total of your experiences is short-sighted. Our actions, whether good or evil, hold lasting significance. Actions will lead to consequences «Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. », (Ecclesiastes 11:9). The biblical principle of sowing and reaping remains in effect. Galatians 6:8 informs us, “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”

The Bible serves as a reminder of how valuable our days are «The days of our years are threescore years and ten; And if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, Yet is their strength labour and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away. », (Psalm 90:10) and how we must approach those days with prudence— not foolishness (#YOLO). Ephesians 5:15 advises, “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” Not everything permissible is beneficial «All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. », (1 Corinthians 10:23), and there are some experiences better left untried «Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. », (Psalm 1:1). When Potiphar’s wife tempted Joseph, Joseph could have said, “YOLO,” a

He resisted temptation and did not yield to it; he had a greater fear of God—and more self-respect—than to make that mistake (Genesis 39:6-15;see Proverbs 7).

You only live once, but that doesn’t mean you can’t live wisely. Let the Holy Spirit lead you (John 14:26;Romans 8:26), and seek from God how to bring Him glory with the days He has granted you (James 1:5;Ephesians 4:11-16).