LIFT Conference 2026 – Talk 3 – Redeemed for Pleasure

Well, more than a decade before Drake sang the not-so-great song that includes the line, you only live once, that's the motto, many of us were singing Bon Jovi's great anthem about living for ourselves.

We're told, it's my life.

It's now or never.

I ain't going to live forever.

I just want to live while I'm alive.

It's my life.

And if you missed the implication, if it's my life and I only live once, then I should do all that I can to pursue pleasure in this brief life.

Our parents were told that all they really want when the working day is done is girls.

They just want to have fun.

But we've got Kid Cudi to lead us in the pursuit of happiness.

And even if everything that shine ain't always going to be gold, hey, I'll be fine once I get it.

Yeah, I'll be good.

These songs capture much of the attitude of our age.

We live in a largely materialistic society that wrestles with the brevity of human life and the reality of suffering.

Their answer? Put yourself first.

Pursue as much pleasure as is physically possible.

But if you actually know the lyrics of these songs or you listen to them next time you hear them, they're pretty empty and debased in their pursuit of happiness.

They express longing without having any answers.