One Life and Then Eternity

I believe, friends, we hang on to this world too much, and I'm afraid we don't live for eternity as we should. My Bible declares in 2 Corinthians 4, verse 18, While we look, not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Are we living for eternity, first and foremost, with our lives in Christ? Or do we tend to allow self to have its way, and often forget to take time to pray? Do we foolishly believe the money we have is ours for our own use and benefit, while gospel ministries suffer for want and support, and the work of God is delayed because of our hoarding? Do we fail to weep and pray over the sins of this nation, as we fail to be a daily witness to the lost? Do we look down at people and judge them, instead of witness to their souls, about a Christ who came down here, so we can go up there? Deep down, we know our duty, but we just won't make the effort because our flesh holds sway. Are we on the out-and-out for Christ and the gospel? Or are we dull to spiritual things? Are we on the full stretch for God and his kingdom? Or are we fast asleep? Are we living as we should for Christ and the gospel? I want to read us a poem today, friends, written by C.T. Studd. I often keep it in my Bible, and I use it as a bookmark.

And every day, I get it out and take a look at it and measure and see how far short I fall from where I want to be. It encourages me to live more for Christ. And I want to read it to you now, friends.

And it is my prayer that God will encourage you, friend, to be more on the out-and-out for Christ and live more in light of eternity because it's one step and we're in eternity. 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, it will soon be past.

Only what's done for Christ will last. Only one life, yes, only one. Soon its fleeting hours be done.

Then and that day my Lord to me and stand before his judgment seat. Only one life, it 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, it will 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, it will soon be past.

Only what's done for Christ will last. When this bright world would tempt me sore. When Satan would victory score.

When self would seek to have its way. Then help me Lord with joy to say. Only one life, it will 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, whatever the strife. Pleasing thee in my daily life. Only one life, it will 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, it will 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 hear the call. I know I'll say, it was worth it all. Only one life, it will soon be past.

Only what's done for Christ will last. Let that be the prayer of our hearts friends. Let us pray.