Only One Life

I listened to a sermon recently where the pastor asked what we were doing with the treasures, time and talents God has given us. One day, we as believers will stand before God and have to give an account of what we did with what He gave us. 

Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 

I think for me personally, the hard part is not so much not knowing what God wants me to do with what He has given me, but rather that I let myself get so easily distracted and side tracked. 

God has given me the talent of writing and I believe with all my heart that He wants me to use it to share the truths of His Word and the good news of the gospel. 

He so fills my heart and thoughts with His Word that often I simply have to drop whatever I’m doing and let it flow out into my journal or behind the computer. Since I have experienced the joy of His salvation, and that there is no better way to live but with Him as my Lord and Guide, I have no greater desire than to share it with others and point others to Him. 

Every time I talk to someone who believes the Bible is the Word of God and that Jesus is the Son of God, but neither the Word of God or the Son of God is meant for them, my passion and purpose and resolve is renewed to share the truth with them. 

I may not be able to open their eyes to the truth, but I have full confidence in God and His Word who can. 

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32 

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. John 14:6 

By nature we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, but that’s not where the story ends. God has made a way, whereby we can once again be reconciled to Him. 

There is hope for us, and His name is JESUS. 

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. 2 Corinthians 9:15 

There are only two responses to the unspeakable gift that God has given us. We can either receive Him or reject Him. 

He came unto his own, and his own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: John 1:11-12 

That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:15 

I so want to use my treasures, time and talents for His honour and glory and under His direction that when my life draws to a close, I can say with Paul: 

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 2 Timothy 4:7 

And let it be said of us: 

Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Matthew 25:23 

What we do, whether good or evil, can have a much greater impact then you think. For example, according to blogger statistics, one of the top countries that consistently reads my blog is Russia. I don't personally know anyone in Russia, but who knows what God is doing there? What I do know is that God’s Word is alive, and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. 

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, Hebrews 4:12a 

And it never returns to Him void. 

So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 

And although it may at times feels discouraging and fruitless when we don’t see any immediate results with our own eyes, God encourages us with these words: 

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 126:6 

What are you doing with the treasures, time and talents God has given you? Remember, we have only one life and it will soon be past and only what’s done for Christ will last. 

Only One Life, Twill Soon Be Past 
Poem 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 Judgement 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 clays 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. ”