The Rapper Sort Of Got One Right

Where I'm from, the people are the....flaky-est. 

This is the area where it's not official unless it's seen on television.  And if the product, politician, athlete, or entertainer is from here; then it/he/she must be seen on television in another state to label it/he/she official.  For the most part, trends aren't made in the African-American communities in Richmond; instead they are copied from other larger, more glamorously-perceived African-American communities across the nation.  Particularly in the Richmond hip-hop scene; where from 1980-1993 East Coast culture was Richmond.  Then Master P dropped a couple years later and we were all bouncing and talking with a little more country twang.  No one will say this...but we generally are followers; so it's no surprise that the Drake ft. Lil Wayne and Tyga track Y.O.L.O. (You Only Live Once) has spawned yet another hip-hop slogan for our teenagers, young adults, and even some 30-somethings to live by.  But you know what, this time it might benefit you to actually listen.


The Book of Ecclesiastes and its [alleged] author King Solomon takes some at-the-end-of-the-day views concerning this life we live.  Among many things, the king has come to a realization that all of his work and toil, as well as his pleasures and joys have amounted to nothing (chapters 1 and 2).  This perception, most likely conceived at a time when Solomon was dying and definitely before the revelation of Jesus Christ, takes into account that essentially nothing matters.

We've somewhat grown from that philosophy, but the Y.O.L.O. part remains...and has a little extra with it.  The truths of the afterlife have now been shared with us and made understandable.  So in fact, you do only live once, but that one life never ends.  Therefore, the period of your living spent on Earth determines your residence for the next infinite amount of years you will spend alive.  So then...a question; when Drake chants "and we 'bout it everyday, everyday, everyday..." what are you about?  If you are about all of the earthly pleasures and you want to ensure that you get them all in before you "die", what will that determine for the rest of your life?  If your perception of attempting to live Godly is one of boredom and unfair or useless restraint, how do you think that markets you to be a candidate for membership in God's Kingdom?

I'm a little ashamed to say this, but hear what Drake is saying...just live higher than what Drake is implying.  For whether you recognize it or not, you are living on earth to decide how you will live forever.  And yes, once your human heart stops beating there is no other chance to retract or redo a single act.  To that end, here are a few questions to ask yourself:


Are you absolutely clear on how eternal life works?
If your human life ends today, are you certain your eternity will be spent in peace?
Are your actions today worth risking a negative outcome for your eternal future?

You already know though, you only live once, that's the motto....

Peace