Only One Life

One of my absolute favorite poems comes from the pen of C.T. Studd.
This poem rings truth in every sentence and conviction can come easily as you read the words!
Our church put this poem to the tune of “Faith of Our Fathers,” (and it works really nicely!)

This week as I was reading, “Don’t Waste Your Life” by John Piper, he quoted a few verses of the poem because it falls so perfectly in line with the message of his book. That prompted me to share this poem with you! If you haven’t heard it before, I pray that once you do, you’ll never forget it! And I hope that you’ll embrace the words of this poem and keep them close to your heart and mind.

Are we living our lives for Christ?
This morning I received an email. The email presented a question that completely impacted me. The question was, “If my life was the only evidence that Christ was alive, would anyone be convinced?”
It wasn’t just the question that impacted me, but the fact that it was exactly along the lines of this post I had already planned!

It’s so important we understand that we only have ONE life to live. We don’t have any second chances. If we keep this in the forefront of our minds, I guarantee you we’ll spend less time on frivolous things. We’ll start thinking about how we can better serve others and wonder if the things we're doing will matter for eternity. 

We only have one life; how then shall we live it?
As we go about our week, let’s remember something really important; we do only have one life, one chance to live for Christ.
And only what’s done for Him shall last.
 
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Only One Life
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. ”