Only One Life

A Ugandan sunset.

This morning while doing some other research, I came across a poem by missionary C.T. Studd. I don't recall ever reading it before, but I so appreciated its message, especially as I begin a new year and weigh my priorities and focuses. 

C.T. (Charles Thomas) was a well-known English cricket player from his youth, but when his brother George fell seriously ill, C.T. faced the life-changing question of whether his earthly endeavors were of real value.

"I know that cricket would not last, and honour would not last, and nothing in this world would last, but it was worthwhile living for the world to come." 

This searching of the soul led C.T. to become a missionary, first to China and later to India, dedicating a total of 46 years to overseas work. It was while in his '50s that he felt God's call to Africa (Sudan and the Belgian Congo), where he continued until his death in 1931. 

Needless to say, I am both challenged and inspirited by Mr. Studd's life and the following poem. All are not called to work and live overseas as C.T. was, but all of us are called to live for eternity.

“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. ”

— extra stanza —

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.” 

- C.T Studd

Life is too short to waste it on what is not eternal.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Studd