Only one life, ’twill soon be past, truly only what’s done for Christ will last.

To reminisce and hanker after the good old days is a vivid sign that we have given up on today’s journey, and the path that God has laid before us. It is a subtle way to ignore the command that: "This is the way; walk in it (Isa. 30:21)."

To ignore that command is a vital mistake, for the fact of the matter is that God never changes directions for us, that we do ourselves. So, to make up for our lack of decisiveness we offer sacrifice—the sacrifice of the good old days, instead of obedience. Forgetting, of course, that sacrificial tokenism is never acceptable in God’s economy. For where a man’s treasure is, there also is his heart (Matt. 6:21). Our life is like a vapor, a puff of smoke. Literally, we are here today, gone tomorrow; and only that which we have done for Christ will last, as C.T. Studd reminds us in his poem:

“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.

Christ has in so many words, reminded us of the same, when he said:

“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62.”

May the truth of these words sink deep within to the resources of our soul, our very being; and may we purpose never to look back for comfort in the past, but to hope for the future towards which God has directed us, and with the Psalmist understand that: God’s word is a lamp to guide our feet and a light for our path (Ps. 119:105).

Blessings, each step of the journey; better yet bless others along the way!

JimR/-