Oftentimes, phrases such as ‘you only live once’ are used to throw caution to the wind or make not quite wise choices. Statements that sound good and may feel true oftentimes are not, but they do make one think.

‘You only live once’ has made me wonder why I spend so much time worrying about what others may (or may not) believe about me. It’s made me wonder if I am living my life selfishly or selflessly. Above all, it’s made me wonder if I am lord over my life, thoughts, and actions, or if that title belongs to Jesus.

In thinking about the above phrase I could easily say, ‘Why not embrace it?’ to certain thoughts and actions. Alternatively, I could say, ‘Does this attitude, do these words, does this thing I am doing, reflect Christ?’

I only live once, so why don’t I:

• Enjoy each moment I spend with others?
• Finish those long-ago begun projects?
• Help my family and friends more often?
• Write more?

I only live once, so why don’t I:

• Get rid of the grudge or hurt I hold?
• Let go of the anger I feel toward another?
• Rejoice with others?
• See each person as a being created in the image of God?

I know my emotions can easily get in the way of decisions I make – I have accepted that I am an emotional person, as much as that may sometimes frustrate me. However, I have the ability to choose what to do with my emotions. I may feel like behaving a certain way in my life, but I can also choose how I behave – it all depends on if I am allowing Christ to act as my Lord. When I have any thought, when I feel any emotion, do I submit them before Jesus, before the Word, before my King before I act?

I only have this one life – does it reflect my Saviour’s lordship over it?