This phrase is commonly used as a call to do those things we often put off but might later regret leaving undone. It usually involves taking risks, acting unconventionally or impulsively, or fulfilling one’s desires. The activities involved could be good or bad – or might not fit into either category. It is all about using time while we have it so that we do not later regret wasting it.
The statement itself is true. The Hebrew writer expressed it this way: “And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Understanding the fact that we only live once, there are some Biblical admonitions to be made.
Enjoy Life
God created man to rule over the earth (Genesis 1:28). All the blessings that can be found in life come from Him (James 1:17). Therefore, it is good to enjoy the blessings of this life. Notice a few passages from Solomon:
“I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one’s lifetime” (Ecclesiastes 3:12).
“I have seen that nothing is better than that man should be happy in his activities, for that is his lot…” (Ecclesiastes 3:22).
“Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 5:19).
“Rejoice, young man, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood. And follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes. Yet know that God will bring you to judgment for all these things. So, remove grief and anger from your heart and put away pain from your body, because childhood and the prime of life are fleeting” (Ecclesiastes 11:9-10).
However, while it is good to enjoy the things that God has given in this life, we must not focus so much on these things that we lose sight of what is truly important. We can and should enjoy life, but it must be within the context of our service to God.
Serve God
Being mindful of the fact that we only live once should help motivate us to not waste time with trivial matters and instead focus on what is really important. Solomon explained what man’s ultimate purpose is in life: “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Having this as our primary goal will cause us to focus on certain things, including the following:
- Salvation – We will obey the gospel in order to be saved (2 Thessalonians 1:8). Fearing God, we will be sure to do this His way – believing in Christ (John 8:24), repenting of our sins (Luke 13:3, 5), confessing our faith (Romans 10:9-10), and being baptized into Christ (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21) – rather than man’s way.
- Faithfulness – We will continue to serve God until death (Revelation 2:10), striving to do all things by His authority (Colossians 3:17).
- Blamelessness – We will work to defeat sin in our lives rather than be content to remain in sin (1 John 1:5-6). We will strive to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16) and look for the way of escape that He has promised with every temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).
- Bible study – We will learn how to “accurately [handle] the word of truth,” as this is essential for one to be “approved to God” (2 Timothy 2:15). Failure to study and grow in our knowledge and handing of God’s word is a cause for rebuke (Hebrews 5:11-12).
- Assembling with the church – We will break from our schedules and take advantage of the times available to us to assemble in order to worship God (John 4:23-24) and encourage our brethren (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Remember what the Hebrew writer told us: “And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). We must be sure we are focusing on the things that are pleasing to God. After telling us of our primary purpose in life to fear God and keep His commandments, the wise man said, “For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:14).
The Brevity of Life
Our lives are “just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). Though we know that our lives will eventually end (Hebrews 9:27), we do not know when that end will come. There will be no second chances after death – you only live once. Therefore, we must put away sin, quit wasting time on futile pursuits, do all we can to serve the Lord, and fulfill our purpose here.
In the end, there are many things that will not matter. Let us focus on those things that really do matter.
