YOLO
If you haven’t seen this acronym written somewhere or heard it tossed around, I’m not sure you’re living above ground. It’s everywhere these days. But just incase you are one of the subterraneans, I’ll go ahead and save you a google search. It stands for, “You Only Live Once.”
You Only Live Once…
Hmm
And people usually tack it on the end of a statement about something risky or brave or…wait for it,
STUPID!
• “Hey, let’s go bridge jumping and see who can wait the longest before pulling the rip (which, in this case likely stands for, ‘Rest In Peace.’) cord, YOLO!”
• “Hey, let’s make a funny video pretending to be terrorists and see how many hits we get! YOLO!”
But it can be worthwhile bucket list type stuff too.
• Going on mission trips to risky places
• Spending all your Christmas money on a needy family rather than yourselves
• Leading up a ministry
• Learn to surf
• Swim with the dolphins
And finally, it can be obedient things you’ve known you should do but haven’t for some unknown reason.
Like baptism
When it comes to baptism I could write a book and fill it with nothing but the excuses I’ve heard from people over the years.
• “That day’s not convenient for me.” (I wonder if Friday morning was all that convenient for Jesus to be crucified.)
• “I don’t like to get my hair wet.” Question: Do you ever go to the pool or the beach? Or, take a shower?!
• “I was sprinkled as an infant.” And? What does that have to do with biblically identifying (publicly) with Jesus through the symbol of His death, burial and resurrection known as immersion (baptism)?
• “I want to wait until I can have my entire family there—be a good excuse for a family reunion.” Sounds more like a good excuse to put off baptism again.
• “I want to study it, take a class on it–see what Presbyterians, Baptists, Catholics, and chipmunks think about it.” What about what God thinks about it?
Seriously, I’ve head them all. But the bottom-line for each and every one of us ought to be a simple response of obedience just because the One who gave His life so that we might live—commanded it. Such a small thing, but it means a lot to Jesus.
Impact is having its first opportunity for baptism THIS coming Sunday. If you plan on being a part, you can sign up HERE. The baptism will follow the regular message and worship out in the atrium area.
Oh, and invite a friend. God’s Spirit always moves in extra big ways on these very special days!
See you Sunday!