Has anyone ever said to you, "You only live once"? As the phrase is often used, it is intended to embolden people to “go for it.” Whatever “it”may be. Perhaps one is about to make a career change into something he's dreamed of doing since he was a kid. One might encourage him by saying “Hey man, you should go for it, you only live once you know.” I doubt that many would say that to me if I started off for Kennedy space center to try my hand at being an astronaut, but who knows, someone might. It is certainly good to be an encouragement to one who is pursuing his dreams. Often, however, the phrase is used to “dare” someone into doing something foolish.Sometimes it is even used to excuse sinful pursuits of the flesh, i.e., the middle aged man dumping the wife of his youth for some “pretty young thing.”

For the thoughtful and spiritually minded person, the fact we only live once should be very sobering and motivating. In fact, if those who use the cliché of only living once to excuse a sinful lifestyle would think about its truth a little more seriously, many would changed their behavior. I only live once. Therefore, I must use this one life that I have to believe, trust, serve and glorify God to the utmost of my ability. There will be no second chances. When my body is laid in God's cool earth, the opportunities that presented themselves during my “one life” will have disappeared forever. I only live once. Therefore those whom I love should hear me say so often. More importantly I should use the time of my “one life” to show love to those around me through words and actions. When I am dead and buried, will my wife and children know, for certain and without a doubt, that I loved them. They will if I take the time of life to tell them and show them so.

For the devout Christian, the phrase, "You only live once" should be a sobering motivator, not an excuse to pursue sins of the flesh.