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 hay 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.

 

C.T. Studd. England (1860-1931)