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Only One Life

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


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 Judgment 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.


By C.T. Studd, Missionary to India, China, and Africa


             “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31


Recommended Resources:
Evangelism Series
Conquer Your Fear Share Your Faith by Kirk Cameron & Ray Comfort
Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper
Don’t Waste Your Dash
100 Ways for Your Family to Make a Difference

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5 Comments

  1. Thank you so much for posting this poem! I had only heard the one little part of it, but the full poem is so wonderfully edifying.

    You are a blessing, Marci!

  2. This is something we hear a lot of in church. My pastor quotes it often, as a reminder to keep things in perspective. 🙂

    TY for sharing it!

  3. Ashley @ Blessings at Home says:

    That was a beautiful poem! Thank you for sharing it! I’m visiting from Ashley’s link up and following via GFC! Looking forward to reading more!

  4. Beautiful poem, Marci!!

  5. Ashley Ditto says:

    This is beautiful Marci!

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