This is the first instalment of our weekly Red Rock Faith Talks from the staff here at RRBC. Every Monday in May and June, the blog will feature a post from a current Red Rock staff member sharing what’s on their heart, and what God is challenging them with. This week we have spring staff’s Daniel Rempel sharing what’s on his mind.
YOLO?
We all know the saying you only live once, but I don’t think anyone could have predicted the increase in popularity of this saying over the last few months. YOLO (You Only Live Once) has taken popular culture by storm. The abbreviation is used primarily in social media networks, where people use the term to justify anything from acting like dare devils to inspiration for social change. Love it or hate it, the abbreviation YOLO has become a staple of today’s pop culture.
The idea of YOLO is very much a modern day version of carpe diem (or seize the day). As with most new pop culture phenomenon’s, many people have chosen to ignore the YOLO movement. This may not be because they necessarily disagree with the statement, but rather with the fact that it has become such an abused overstatement for many people’s ridiculous ideas.
So, knowing the popularity of YOLO, is there anything that Christians can learn from this whole fiasco? I would argue that there is.
The whole idea of YOLO is motivation to make the most of every opportunity because you only live once. This idea can very easily transfer over to Christianity. Christians need to remember that we have limited time on this earth and that after we die, we cannot go back and change the way in which we lived.
I am reminded of the passage found in Matthew 6:19-21 that says “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
This passage is found on the famous Sermon on the Mount that Jesus delivered to thousands of people. Jesus wanted people to know that while living a life of wealth and luxury on earth may have some benefits, the real rewards come when people become heavenly minded, ready to serve God.
Am I asking you to go and do something completely radical for God? Not necessarily. Living out God’s plan everyday is radical enough. What I am asking is that you evaluate your relationship with Christ everyday in order that you may walk closer with him. Our time on earth is short, let’s not waste it. Whenever you come across YOLO over the next few weeks and months, I would encourage you to take some time to evaluate where you are presently standing with God, and what you can do to improve that standing so that you are walking closer in step with the commands of Jesus Christ.
Be sure to check back next Monday for another Red Rock Faith Talk!
