Only One Life 'Twill Soon Be Past, Only What's Done for Christ Will Last

These words came to my mind this morning...

Only one life, 'twill soon be past,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

While the Bible is very clear that our good works do NOT contribute to saving our souls (only by faith in Christ and His finished work on the cross can we be saved from our sin and be given a home in Heaven), we are called to good works.  It is an EVIDENCE of our salvation.  What we do for the Lord here on earth has everlasting value.  It contributes to our standing and our rewards in Heaven.

There are many things in life that can crowd out what God wants us to do.  Let's remember that we have a limited amount of time to serve the Lord.

C.T. Studd (1860-1931)

C.T. Studd wrote a poem after hearing the same two phrases.  A native of England, he attended university and was an elite Cricket player.  However, he realized how short life can be when his brother became seriously ill.   He understood that the sport and the fame that came with it paled in light of eternity.    God worked in his life to be a witness for Christ through Dwight L. Moody meetings.  C.T. met with missionary Hudson Taylor, founder of China Inland Mission, spoke at evangelistic meetings at universities in England and Scotland and later began his missionary journey sailing to China.  His motto was: "If Jesus Christ is God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him."  To find out more about the life and times of C.T. Studd and other missionaries, click this link to the Wholesome Words site.

“Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill,
living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last. ”
— extra stanza —
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.”

C.T Studd