We all know what an hourglass is. It’s “a device for measuring intervals of time. A quantity of sand is enclosed in the bulbs, and the size of the passage is so proportioned that the sand will completely run through from one bulb to another in the time it is desired to measure.”
In 1942 God set my hourglass in motion. I have watched the sand of time run. It seems to me that the longer I live the faster the sand flows out.
As I have watched the sands of time run, I often ask myself, ”What have I done for Christ since He saved me at the early age of 14.
If I think about the question, “Have I been successful?” I know in my thinking I have not been, but the question is not whether I have been successful, but rather have I been faithful to His calling?
Charles Thomas Studd, who served as a British missionary to China, penned a famous poem that helps us to consider the only worthy way to use the life God has given to us—for Christ! May God help us to be ever mindful that only what is done for Christ will last. Lord, help us.
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,’will 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 claims I must fulfill,
living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’will soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would score a victory;
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,’will soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
“So teach us to number our days so that we may get a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12
Love this poem!