Only One Life



The book I'm currently reading made reference to a poem by C.T. Studd entitled "Only One Life".  The 2 lines that were presented in the book were very familiar...... I knew I had run across this one at some point in the past.

No idea when or where.  Maybe church camp?

At any rate, it was really cool to be able to look it up and read the whole thing again.

Struggling to find meaning to life?  Or purpose for why you exist?  Start here.......

ONLY ONE LIFE

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 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 days 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.


-----

The poem then inspired a song back in the 70's:

ONLY ONE LIFE

Lanny Wolfe


It matters so little

How much you may own

The places you've been

Or the people you've known

For it all comes to nothing

When placed at His feet

It's nothing to Jesus

Just memories to keep


You may take all the treasures

From far away lands

Take all the riches

You can hold in your hands

And take all the pleasures

Your riches can buy

But what will you have

When it's your time to die 


The days pass so swiftly

The months come and go

The years melt away

Like new falling snow

Spring turns to summer

And summer to fall

Autumn brings winter

Then death comes to all


Only one life, so soon it will pass

Only what's done for Christ will last

Only one chance to do His will

So give to Jesus all your days

It's the only life that pays

When you recall you have but one life.



Friends, we get 1 life.  Maybe 70 years?  Or 92?  Or 47?  Or 85?

No one but God knows.
You cannot control that.

What you can control:  your choices.

Every choice you make has an impact on the years you live and the legacy you leave.

Enjoy life.  Celebrate & be joyful.  Yet, keep the first things first.  

In light of the poem/lyrics above, as well the words written in the instruction book direct from God (i.e. The B- I- B- L- E), use your choices wisely.


Grace & Peace & Love to you all -

Matt