Only What’s Done For Christ Will Last
Psalm 86:5 - “ For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive, and plenteous in many unto all of them that call upon thee.”
In Verse 5, the psalmist acknowledges that the Lord is essentially and independently good. Every good and perfect gift originates from Him. His goodness extends to all, both in a providential way and through grace to His chosen people. The Lord is not only good but also ready to forgive. Forgiveness is readily available from Him. It is not a difficult or distant process, rather, it flows abundantly from His grace. The psalmist draws from personal experience, knowing that God is plenteous in mercy for those who sincerely call upon Him.
Just like David, each of us has a high calling. The song “Only One Life, ‘Twill Soon Be Past” was penned by Charles Thomas Studd, a pioneer Bristish missionary whose life was marked by devotion to spreading the Gospel and serving others which was his high calling. He gave up his fame and family fortune to serve the Lord. As a Christian missionary, he played a significant role in missions to China, India and Africa, laying up treasures in Heaven. The melody was composed by William S. Dillion in 1942. The poignant lines reminds us that our time on earth is fleeting, and what truly matters is the impact we make for Christ. It encourages reflection on life’s brevity and the eternal impact of our actions. Only one life, a few brief years, each with its burdens, hopes and fears. Each with its days we must then fulfill and live each day according to His high calling to serve and surrender to Him.
We can be always inspired when we sing or when we hear this song, Only One Life, “Twill Soon Be Past.”
It matters so little, how much you may own,
The places you’ve been, or people that you know;
For it all comes to nothing when placed at His feet,
Just memories to me.
You can take all the treasures from far away lands,
And take all the riches you can hold in your hands;
And take all the pleasures your riches can buy,
But will it help when it’s your time to die?
CHORUS:
Only one life, so soon it will pass,
Only what’s done for Christ will last;
Only one chance to do His will,
So give to Jesus all your days,
It’s the only life that pays
When you recall, you have but one life!
The days pass so swiftly, the months come and go,
The years melt away like new falling snow;
Spring turns to summer, then summer to fall,
Autumn brings winter, then death come to all.
The phrase “Only what’s done for Christ will last” carries a profound spiritual message. “Only”. This emphasized exclusivity. It denotes that in the midst of all our endeavors and actions, only those related to Christ and done for Him endure beyond our earthly existence. “What’s done,” refers to our deeds, accomplishments and choices. It encompasses both our tangible acts and the motivations behind them. “For Christ,” implies that our purpose and focus should align with Christ’s teachings and values. “Will last,” highlights the eternal impact. While earthly achievements fade, what we do for Christ has lasting significance beyond this life.
In essence, this phrase encourages us to prioritize eternal values over temporary gains. Our faith, love and service to Christ and others endure beyond the fleeting moments of our existence. It reminds us to invest, then, in things that matter eternally - our faith and relationship with God, acts of love and compassion, character and integrity, spreading the Gospel, stewardship, hope and eternal perspective, and preparation for Christ’s return.
So, let us strive to make our lives count by dedicating our actions and endeavors to Christ - our testimony of a life wholly surrendered to Jesus Christ, our Savior, knowing that they have lasting significance in eternity.
Our Prayer for Today:
Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of life , for the joy and peace You bless us with. Help us Lord to live with purpose, and do Your will, knowing that only what is done for Christ will last. Guide us O Lord, as we go about each day. May our actions reflect Your love and care. May we also seek opportunities to share the Gospel, and to bring glory to You. In Jesus mighty name. Amen.