Only One Life

by C.T. Studd

This post will be a little different. Instead of discussing a passage from the Bible, I’m going to share a brilliant poem “Only One Life,” by C.T. Studd (1860–1931). I had planned to include this poem in a future post, but realised it needed its own. Meditate on it. Turn it over in your mind and soul. Reflect on it this coming week. Let it restructure the priorities in your life. May it be as much of an aid to your soul as it has been to mine.

“Two little lines I heard one day, Travelling 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.

“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.”