You only live once, was the phrase made popular by Drake several years ago. This catchy little expression prompted individuals to live that risky life and take those chances they normally wouldn’t because at the end of the day, we only have one opportunity to do so. Being cautious wasn’t going to allow us to maximize the moment and feel the thrill of living on the edge, so the recommendation and of course the only thing left to do was venture out and take the chance.
Although #yolo is mostly associated with risk, throwing caution to the wind, and flying by the seat of our pants, I submit that it is also intimately tied to accountability. Because, before there was Drake, there was Jesus, and He was the ultimate example of #yolo. Let me explain.
Yesterday, was Palm Sunday, a day observed all around the world in the Christian faith. This day marks the beginning of what many know as “Holy Week”. It begins with a grand entrance by the main character, Jesus, into the city of Jerusalem, and ends in much the same way; grandly. Many events transpired in between those two crucial points in time. To name a few there was the cursing of the fig tree, the last supper, fervent prayer and sweating blood in the Garden of Gethsemane, and being arrested and tried. Each event made way for the next one, in a connect-the-dots type fashion. Yet, the most interesting part about it all, was that Jesus knew exactly what was next before it ever came to be.
A week that He knew was leading up to his death, and yet He never wavered from the plan. He walked every situation out with grace and though He experienced a lot of the same emotions we as humans experience, to include fear, He knew the show had to go on!
Back to #yolo. Jesus would only live once, (in the physical sense anyway) and yet his -you only live once- mindset was completely steered by accountability. He walked every one of those last days out with purpose, knowing there was a people who were one day going to rely on every move He made that week. It was crucial that he got it right!
That was Jesus’ last week. What about yours? If you knew this was the last week or even the last year you had to live, would you want to live by the #yolo of modern day times or would you live out an accountable #yolo and make every wrong that’s within your power to change, right? Relationships that can be mended if you take the first step in doing so, truths that can be shared with those deserving of knowing, attitudes that can be worked on, projects that can be started only by you. And then there’s the biggest gamble yet… believing in a savior that you can’t see but has offered you eternal existence after this earthly one. Now that’s a true risk! One to be found out at a later time…
For many, it will be their last week, not solely because of Covid-19, though definitely inclusive of it. But more so because we live in a world where tomorrow is not promised. Do what you can today, while there is still time to do it. After all, You Only Live Once! #yolo
I’d love to hear about that one thing you want to make right or do. Feel free to comment below or email me.
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This is such a great read. Thanks for showing #YOLO in a different light, which I never liked. Now I can start my days with the reminder of living with an accountable #YOLO in mind.
More like Christ. #GOALS
Thank you so much Monica!!! Definitely #Goals It has more more than one meaning, that’s for sure 🙂
Rosie, this was so refreshing! Whether it’s our last day or week or even year, I love the comparison to Jesus’ walk in life throught that last week that led to his greatest sacrifice. Thank you! I love you even more for this gift! #yolo
Davida!!!! Thank you for your comment. It means a lot coming from you. 🙂 Yes, the greatest sacrifice, full of risk, and He didn’t hesitate because He knew you only live once. <3
Oh, this perspective is so helpful, especially now!
I loved this: “He walked every one of those last days out with purpose, knowing there was a people who were one day going to rely on every move He made that week.”
PURPOSE & INTENTIONAL living make a huge difference!
Hi Rebecca, thanks for stopping by. I;m glad you enjoyed the read. Yes, purpose and intentional living ALWAYS!
So good! I loved this post, Rosie. Jesus lived His life as an example for us all to follow. His accountability and purposful living show us how to model our lives after Him.
Hi Laurie! Thanks for the comment. He certainly was an example. So grateful for Him!
I wondered where yolo originated. Now we know! Tomorrow is never promised. That’s certainly something we need to always keep in mind. Thank you for these inspiring thoughts, Rosie!
Thank you for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
Thanks for stopping by Patsy 🙂