The Key to Living a Life of No Regrets in a YOLO Culture

There’s no easy way to say this, so here it is; we’re going to die. And when that time approaches for each of us, we want to be able to look back on our lives and say we have no regrets, right? That’s the idealistic scenario, at least. Is it realistic? Maybe.

Of course, most of us don’t like to think about our mortality. In fact, fixating on it is a pretty unhealthy habit. However, we would be wise to give thoughtful consideration to the reality that we spend each day earning our eulogies. In a society where the mantra of YOLO (You Only Live Once) has become a manifesto for thrill seekers and adventurers, we might think we are living to our fullest.

Edwards 52nd Resolution is dated July 8, 1723, but I can find no journal entry talking about the formation of it. However, I do think it might be connected to resolution 50, which was done a few days earlier. This fact might also explain why this resolution is preceded with intro text, unlike most of his others.

This is going to get pretty heavy, so let’s dive right in.

Jonathan Edwards Resolution 52

YOLO and Living with No Regrets

Perhaps you’ve the RV bumper sticker that reads; “I’m Spending My Kid’s Inheritance.” It’s a tongue-in-cheek way of showing the modern era perception that places high value on personal experiences. That mantra is not exclusive to retirees and/or Baby Boomers, though. Individuals of all ages are busy making sure they experience everything they possibly can – from escape rooms to vacations to destination weddings and more.

Of course, it’s all documented on Instagram and Facebook for the universe to see and (as I suspect many secretly hope), become the object of envy in the process.

This is the driving imperative of a YOLO driven life. Experience everything under the sun. Take everything in for all it’s worth. You only live once, right?

As I consider this, though, I am reminded that this falls into the group of things under the sun. And such things – Solomon teaches us in Ecclesiastes – are a pursuit of vanity – and one that God doesn’t endorse.

Don’t get me wrong. Escape rooms are fun and great bonding experiences. Vacations are not sinful in and of themselves. And I am not trying to tell you to back down from adventure. However, anything that leads one to idolatry and cause to detract from God, can easily turn negative.

I wonder if our YOLO culture will produce no regrets or more regrets for people approaching the ends of their lives. We may never know, but we should give thought to our response in our own earthly lives, and the eternal implications of the answer.

YOLO & YODO – Living – and Dying – With No Regrets

If you only live once, it’s safe to say You Only Die Once (YODO).

When asked what he wanted on his tombstone, RC Sproul said, “I told you I was sick.”

I have always said that mine will say, “I was a writer. This is my final plot.”

Of course, these were both made in gest. But take time to think about what really (seriously) should be written on your tombstone. The Apostle Paul could have many a great things etched onto the stone of his final resting place. Much to represent his life on earth. And yet, he was concerned only with how he would been seen in the eyes of God, not the people of earth, under the sun.

With that in mind, supposing you packed every possible experience in, and you’ve checked off everything on your bucket list, are you assured of no regrets? Though it’s practically cliché, we think our deathbed will leave us asking what we will wish we’d done more and less of in life. You want to look back at your life and have no regrets.

The Apostle Paul, approaching his YODO moment, took time to reflect as he wrote to his protegé, Timothy:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” – 2 Timothy 4:7 NLT

That’s a man with no regrets.He didn’t express regret that he didn’t get to visit more lands. He didn’t say he wished he had earned more money. There’s no remorse over anything. Instead, he states a matter of fact; that he did as God has commanded. He fought for the kingdom, and as his life is nears its end, he was faithful.

“I was faithful in fighting for God’s Kingdom and Glory.”

Now that’s tombstone worthy.

OLD Age and a Deathbed is Not Assured

Friends, we see it every day. Death is all around us. It seems like it goes in spurts as many well-known celebrities and other well-known folks pass from this earth. And that sometimes comes with a cluster of lost of friends and family.

As you grow older, it’s going to become more visible that there is no assurance that everyone we will reach and advanced age. There’s no shortage of famous folks – actors, athletes, comedians – who died well before their time. You will also see friends, classmates, and family members who are lost in tragic accidents, stricken with disease, and a host of other reasons for passing.

At just 54 years-old, Jonathan Edwards had much to write and teach. He was set to begin an exciting new season of life as President of Princeton University. Instead, Jonathan Edwards prepared for his death. He had received a smallpox vaccination (at the time, a very experimental procedure). Complications arose and he fell terminally ill.

Knowing his demise was sure, he accepted that he would be unable to write all he wanted to write (things he was probably sure God had wanted him to write). That there would be no more lessons to teach. And that his tenure at Princeton would be abnormally short.

Everyone at his bedside, believing Edwards to be incapacitated and with death at hand, spoke about all sorts of worldly matters. In distress, they fretted over the loss of so great a man to the colonies, university, and church.

To everyone’s surprise, Edwards spoke;

“Trust in God, and ye need not fear.”

Another tombstone worthy mantra if I’ve ever heard one. In fact, do me a favor and tweet that…

Eternal Life IS Assured… where will it be spent?

I am going to confess, I had a terribly difficult time preparing this post. The subject, I realize, is a challenging one for many people. And that our earthly death is not something many people like to consider.

Yes, you only live once. And yes, you only die once. On earth, at least.

But life does not end at our earthly passing. There is eternal life beyond the grave of this world. The only question is, will it be spent in the Kingdom of God or will you be sent to eternal suffrage in hell?

We’re all invited to live out eternity – a stark contrast to the few years we live on earth – among the angels and those other souls who knew and served the Lord.

That opportunity to live eternally in the Kingdom of God is available to every tribe and every nation.

The only question is, will you accept the invitation to a whole new adventure?