Only One Life

Only one life, 'twill soon be past.

Only what's done for Christ will last.

"For me to live is Christ." Philippians 1:21

This poem and Bible verse lived on the wall of my home as a child, and with my mother's help, they were the very first words I learned to read as a toddler.

The lines of poetry are attributed to British missionary and cricketer --C.T. Studd (Charles Thomas Studd, 1860-1931).

Those lines and that verse have been my life verse and calling. But I have not always lived by them. I have taken a number of detours. At times I have been prevented from fully living my life they way I want to for God. But He sustains me enough to do what I am able to do for Him. (Even now, when my neck is in chronic pain from an injury that took place over two years ago, I am at least able to write this article for Him.)

And as we are now selling our house and almost all of our belongings, in order to follow Christ more fully, surrendering all to Him, I think of Philippians 3:8...

"Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ."

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." Galatians 2:20

Nothing else matters. Only Jesus and sharing Him with others so they may have faith, hope, God's love, and eternal life.

This is my prayer.

Amen.

Inspired by John Piper's 2000 message, "May I Never Boast, Saving the Christ of our Lord Jesus Christ." Watch and listen on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XajXpH908Yg