Only One Life

Every once-in-a-while it hits me hard just how fleeting this life is.

Generally speaking I feel young and I look even younger, so this hasn’t been something I’ve constantly dwelt on. But as I head into my 30’s in a few short months, I’m finding that this sobering reality is coming to mind with increasing frequency.

I’m grateful when the Lord pricks my soul when I slip into the “I’ll be here forever” mindset. I don’t want to come to the end of my life with unnecessary regret because I frittered away the precious breath God has gifted to me. I long to say with Paul,

“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” 

1 Timothy 4:7

I don’t believe this means frantically running myself into the ground, fretting that I’m not doing enough for the Lord. I do believe it means living in continual obedience to His revealed will in Scripture, and in whatever ways He calls me in-particular to glorify Him with my body, mind, and soul. 

Whenever I go through the process re-evaluating whether I’m “keeping in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25) in my actions, thoughts, and words, here are three questions I ask myself in regard to the activities I’m doing, the content I’m consuming, or where my priorities lie . These questions may take different forms for other people, but I’d encourage anyone to have similar ones to aid in bringing clarity to the direction of our lives.

1. Am I Distracted?

There are plenty of good things that start as fine or helpful, but can quickly become a distraction from what is most important. This might be an activity that slowly begins to take me away from my God-given priorities (like browsing social media too long), or it might be a topic I’m studying that is distracting my mind and heart from keeping centered on Jesus (like a particular worldview or current event). I can usually tell if it’s become a hindrance in some way when I begin to begrudge the responsibilities that I have, or if I find my thoughts wandering to other things when I’m studying God’s Word. Sometimes this means setting aside those now-distractions for a time to allow God to realign my heart and mind first upon Him, then upon His priorities for me. 

2. Am I numb?

When I find my heart growing numb toward others, toward truth, or toward issues that God desires us to care about, I know it’s time for a regroup. Usually this means that I especially need to be more fervent in my prayer life. It isn’t usually difficult for me to be fairly consistent in my time in the Bible, but I’ve found that being consistent in prayer is much harder for me. I also know that prayer is what keeps me soft to the truth I’m learning from the Word, and also keeps me humble before the Lord. Prayer is a reminder that I cannot obey anything I’m called to as His follower apart from His grace. And it’s in prayer that the fire of love, compassion, and truth is re-kindled. 

3. Am i Afraid?

Fear of man is one of my long-term vices, and this is manifested particularly by keeping silent when I know I need to speak the truth. By God’s grace I’ve seen significant growth in this area, but I can always tell when I’m slipping back into old patterns when my mouth stays shut simply because I’m afraid of how I might look in the eyes of others. 

I know this is only something the Lord can change in me, and so it takes going back to Him, repenting of fearing others more than I fear Him, and asking Him to give me an eternal perspective. 

When I’m keeping my eyes on the “finish line” of eternity, I’m willing to lay down my pride and reputation for the sake of doing what is right. I’m willing to be called hateful or mean, because my security rests in God’s view of me rather than the judgement of others. 

I know fear of man isn’t a huge struggle for everyone; however, each of us has some sort of “besetting sin” that we need to continually allow the Lord to sanctify in us in order to live effectively for His glory. 

---

I heard a quote (taken from a poem*) nearly 10 years ago that often resurfaces when I am tempted to lay down my sword, so to speak, and live for my own pleasure rather than in constant pursuit of my King.

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

Today matters; this moment matters. And even though I sense keenly the frailness of my own follow-through, I know that God is faithful. He will equip each and every one of His redeemed children for what He calls us to, enabling us to enter His presence and hear “Well done.”

---

*Only One Life
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 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.

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.

---

If this post encouraged you, would you consider sharing it? Many Thanks!