A Poem Worth Reading Again & Again

I recently had the opportunity to teach the High School girls of our church. From the truths in 1 John 2:15-17, I urged them to consider whether living for this fleeting life (and it’s temporary pleasures) was worthwhile when we could live for so much more — For all of eternity we wouldn’t regret choosing godliness over worldliness! In closing, I read the old poem, “Only One Life, Twill Soon Be Past.” This poem, written by CT Studd (1860-1931), is simply a classic. It is worth reading again and again… Not just by high school girls, by us “old ladies” too.

Whether you’ve read this poem 100 times, or have never read it, I pray it encourages you today. I pray it nudges you, as it does me, to keep going. To forsake the silly time-suckers we so easily give in to and instead maximize the time we have. To turn from sin, and to run after righteousness. To live like we will soon meet Jesus face to face. To make the most of our life — because it will soon be past.

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. ”

– C.T. Studd