Christian Poetry Tuesday:Only One Life, ’Twill Soon Be Past by C.T. Studd

English cricketer Charles Studd (1860 - 1931), circa 1882. He died in the Belgian Congo, carrying out missionary work. PUBLIC DOMAIN

by C. T. Studd (1860 – 1931)

This motto hung over the desk in our hallway at 658 Monroe Avenue for 50 years.

• Every time I sat down at that desk it made me think, "Am I doing this for Christ?"

• I carry that thought with me today and have given that plaque to many loved ones.

• C.T. Thought about this and gave his life as a missionary to the lost souls of Africa.

• He didn;thave to do this; he was rich and famous, but he knew those things would not last.

Only as an adult did I discover those lines were from a larger, beautiful poem he wrote near the end of his life. Let it bless and guide us today.

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” — Psalm 90 : 12

Introduction

Charles Thomas Studd was a Cambridge cricketer turned missionary, one of England’s famous “Cambridge Seven.” He left wealth and fame to serve Christ in China, India, and Africa, trading applause for obedience. His short poem “Only One Life, ’Twill Soon Be Past” became a watchword for generations of believers who long to spend their days for eternal things rather than earthly success.

Only One Life, ’Twill Soon Be Past

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 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.

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.

Reflection

C.T. Studd wrote these lines near the end of his life, when illness and hardship had stripped away every illusion of permanence. His words strike us today with renewed clarity in an age that prizes hurry and applause.

“Only one life” is both warning and invitation. Each sunrise is a stewardship; every conversation, a chance to speak grace; each task, a moment to serve Christ faithfully. Studd’s refrain reminds us that the value of our days is not measured by what we get, but by what we give for Jesus’ sake.

As Paul wrote, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” To live that way is to find freedom—every scar redeemed, every hour meaningful, every ending a homecoming.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,

You have given us one life to live and one soul to love You with.

Teach us to spend our days for what will endure.

Deliver us from trivial pursuits and anxious striving,

and set our hearts on the things above.

May the words of C. T. Studd ring true in us:

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

In Your holy name we pray,

Amen.

*************************

When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;

Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy

Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God hath done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.