A common expression with young people is “YOLO”.  It stands for  “You Only Live Once” and is usually used when encouraging others to live life to the max.  Not living your life to its full potential is a shame, but the sentiment of this expression is slightly misguided.

According to the Bible there is more to life than just the present.  This life is important and the Bible tells us about changes we need to make to our lives in preparation for a perfect everlasting life, which will make any adventures we have in this life insignificant.

This new life will start with the return of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  He will set up a Kingdom on earth the like of which has never been seen before.  It will be a Kingdom of peace and of love and will last forever.  We are told that when he returns (which could be any day soon) he will grant those of his followers, who he sees as being faithful, a place in that Kingdom.  Those faithful who have died will be raised and live forever in this Kingdom.  So you can see the idea that “you only live once” is a bit flawed!

However, there are conditions, which is why it is so important that you make the most of this life.  We are told that we need to face up to our shortcomings and change our lives (usually referred to as repentance) to follow Jesus’ instructions. We are also told that we need to be baptised.  Jesus instructed his disciples:

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.  He who believes and is baptised will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 

 Mark 16:15-16

 If you don’t do this then YOLO is a reality.  You really will only live once, and once you die, that’s it.  So why not make this life worth living.  Read the Bible.  Because life’s too short.