Only One Life

Hi everyone! This is not a poem I wrote, but it’s been a blessing to me and I hope will be to you as well! Only One Life has been attributed to C.T. Studd, a missionary to China and Africa in the early 20th century. Studd was a star cricket player in England, heading for fame when the near death of his brother brought him face to face with the realities of eternity. Although he was already a Christian, Studd realized he was not living for what truly mattered. He later said, “I know that cricket would not last, and honour would not last, and nothing in this world would last, but that it was worth living for the world to come.”

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 judgment 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 will 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.