“Nothing really matters”– have you heard of that concept?

It was my last year in college, when I attended a philosophy class. The professor was so passionate about the sets of philosophies she was teaching us. And I have to admit, these were actually really interesting concepts.

It was also this time, when the Lord was silent. As Word from the Lord became rare for me during these times, naturally, it became hard for me to filter out concepts imparted to me. 

As time went on, I became more and more certain again in hearing God, yet some of these concepts had remained. “Nothing really matters”– this concept stuck with me even in my revived years as a Christian. Only for the Lord to reverse this apparently incorrect thinking. Here’s what’s wrong with the YOLO life:

1. It denies eternity

The YOLO life embraces that concept that there is no life after the current. Hence, YOLO believers strive to get everything they can get out of this life like there is no life to come.

2. It downgrades responsibility, denies accountability

Because the YOLO life denies eternity, it supports a pleasurable lifestyle. “Nothing really matters, so why not do everything you want to do?”

I don’t think there is anything wrong with pleasure. In fact, we can give greater reverence to God when we are satisfied. However, the YOLO life leans more towards the Hedonistic lifestyle; it violates the principle of duty and only focuses on immediate gratification. 

3. It focuses on the self, rather than Christ

Because the YOLO life stands for being free and not accountable to anyone, the believer actually detaches from any form of accountability to Christ or anyone else. As he or she also focuses on chasing only pleasure, what is actually highlighted is concern for only the self, while neglecting any divine or social responsibility there is.

We, as Christ-believers, are constantly called to deny the self and to live for Christ and others. The YOLO life simply contradicts this.

Matthew 16:24 (ESV)

“Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me””

You see, as Jesus-followers, we cannot continue in our walk with God with wrong mindsets. And the YOLO mindset simply contradicts the teaching of Christ.

Make your move today. What is He telling you to do? Reform your mind if you need to. For Christ died so you may live the truly abundant life, and that is not through living life “YOLO”.

John 10:10 (ESV)

“…I (Jesus) came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”