Only One Life, 'Twill Soon Be Past
Jesus said it is very hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven, (Matt. 19:23).
In saying this, the Lord of all wisdom was speaking a timeless word to the idols of career, wealth, status, and leisure which have a clenched-fist grip on so many of our hearts. Though we labor religiously to gather comforts, securities, and prestige in this world, the tide will soon wash away every castle made of sand.
C.T. Studd was a faithful missionary to China during the 19th century. Like all of us, he struggled against the pull of his flesh to seek the affirmations, securities, and comforts of this world. In his struggle, he fought hard, by faith, to be found faithful to Christ. He strove against the powerful current of this world that told him to seek career, education, and security as priority number one. Instead, he chose to view all of life as a mission field for God’s glory.
The following poem captures his struggle, his prayers, and his resolve to seek first the kingdom of God each new day. My prayer as your Pastor is that these same desires will more and more shape every member of our congregation. May God be pleased to work mightily by his Spirit toward that end.
Only One Life
Written By C.T. Studd
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.