When I received this article assignment, I never imagined that before I even started writing the article, my dad would move to the land of the citizenship he received almost 70 years ago. I’m so thankful for the promise of Heaven, but it’s hard to think about at times, because Dad is there, and we’re still here.
When our family gathered to celebrate my dad’s 80th birthday in November 2021, he shared a challenge with us and quoted Charles Thomas (C.T.) Studd, “Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” Dad encouraged us to store up heavenly treasures and to serve God well because one day this life would be over and only things with eternal value would matter then.
I had heard that quote before, but I didn’t know anything about Studd. After reading a little about him, I’ve realized how much he lived out what he said. He grew up in England in the 1800s and was called one of the best cricket players in England, but his passions changed when his brother became very ill. Studd then said, “What is all the fame and flattery worth . . . when a man comes to face eternity? I know that cricket would not last, and honour would not last, and nothing in this world would last, but it was worthwhile living for the world to come.”
When his father died, Studd received an inheritance worth $7.5 million in today’s money. He gave most of it away to ministries such as Moody Bible Institute, George Mueller’s orphanage, and the Salvation Army in India. He devoted his life to missionary work and was one of the “Cambridge Seven,” seven Cambridge students who left England to serve with Hudson Taylor in China. Studd also served in India and then in Africa, where he passed away at age 70.
Here is a portion of C.T.’s poem, “Only One Life.” May it be a challenge and an encouragement to you as you live out your heavenly citizenship:
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, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its days 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.
Give me, Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true whate’er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
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.
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
Taking It Further:
How does knowing that “what’s done for Christ will last” encourage you in your day-to-day ministry? That phrase can be convicting as well as encouraging. Are there adjustments you need to make in your motives, activities, or uses of your time?
