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.

When God called me to preach and teach at 6 years of age, I thought it was the greatest privilege anyone could ever know. When God sanctified my heart by faith at age 16, I was surrendering with joy to the Lover of my soul, who knew best for my life. The surrender was natural, easy, and delightful. When I was 18 years old I was seeking God's direction about dating Beth, with hopes for eventual marriage. God blessed His Word to me, encouraging me to delight myself in Him and in the joyful future that He had before me. 

When God blessed our lives with Katie and Nathan, we prayed the same joyful surrender and delight in our living Lord for their lives. 

When God directed our steps to Kentucky Mountain Bible College for 23 years of service, it was with delight, joy, and purpose that we embraced His divine call and investment into Kingdom work.

When God suddenly called us to leave everything and follow Jesus to Wesley Biblical Seminary in 2013, it was with trembling joy that we obeyed. 

I want the watchword of my life to be that of living to hear Jesus say, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into my joys I have prepared for you."

Only one life,’twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last.