Only One Life (Inspirational Poem by C. T. Studd)
Living for Christ in Light of Judgment
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. (2 Cor. 5:10)
At this start of 2025 let us be those who by God's grace live with a holy resolve to be zealous for God's glory and kingdom. The Lord is King and Judge of all we too will stand before Him. However, in Christ, praise God we need not fear any condemnation (Romans 8:1; John 3:36) for we face our loving and gracious Heavenly Father and Christ our tender sympathetic high priest and Savior (Hebrews 4:14-16). At judgement we face King Jesus who purchased us with His blood (Acts 20:28) and desires us in His presence (John 17:24). O the rich and awesome mercy of God the King towards us!
In another generation, one of England's most outstanding cricket players, Charles Thomas Studd was more importantly known as committed follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. Studd was the youngest of three sons and served as a pioneer missionary to China. By God's grace alone (something Studd would no doubt affirm), Studd's faithfulness to the Lord throughout his life is a good challenge to every true believer living today. Studd famously once wrote a short booklet called "The Chocolate Soldier" calling Christians to be courageous in memorable fashion (well worth your time and will only take about 15-20 minutes to read). Studd also wrote the following wonderfully inspirational (and robustly biblically rooted) poem I strongly commend you to read below:
Only One Life.
By 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 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.
May the Lord use these words Studd wrote above to further inspire us to live for His great glory and invest in the eternal kingdom of God where moth and rust cannot destroy nor thieves break in and steal (Matthew 6:19).
For more on this theme please check out this Wednesday in the Word teaching. Soli Deo Gloria!