You Only Live Once … On Earth

Daily Devotional – Thursday, May 25, 2023
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NKJV)

Young people love slogans. YOLO is one of these popular taglines. It stands for ‘You Only Live Once’. This catchphrase urges young people to live with abandon because they are only sure of this life. It encourages pursuing pleasure and indulging of base passions.

There is No Work in the Grave

This mantra essentially goes against the Christian belief in the afterlife. We also believe that “it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27). The decisions we make in this life determine whether we will inherit eternal life or end up in eternal damnation.

Now, let us look at YOLO from a different perspective. According to King Solomon, there is a sense in which we only live once, but with different implications from those of the popular youth mantra. He says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

Lead a Productive Life

In essence, because you only live once in the current life, make the most of the time, opportunities and other resources God had given you. Do not postpone your projects and dreams. God wants you to excel today. Work diligently and enjoy this life because soon you will succumb to the sleep of death.

To paraphrase a famous writer, live today as if it were your last day on earth but plan as if you have a thousand years to live. The fact that we are heaven-bound does not mean we should neglect our responsibilities for this life or fail to enjoy the blessings God has for us in through honest labour.

Your Only Live Once to Glorify God

As you wait for the next life, make God the centre of your life. When you are worshipping, do it with all your heart. Give that job your best shot. Spend quality time with your family. Surround yourself with quality friends. Extend kindness to the needy. Empty your bucket list. On earth, you only live once, to glorify God.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, in this life You have blessed me with, I will, by Your grace, do my best in everything You have put in my hand.