Only What’s Done for Christ Will Last

Earlier today, I heard a statement about Pontius Pilate that really made me think. For as powerful as he was and for all that he did in his life, all he’s typically remembered for today is that he allowed Christ to be put to death when he believed that Jesus was not guilty. As we look at our own lives, we may think we’ll be remembered for being a good student, a good friend, or perhaps a model parent; but truth be told, when it comes to the end of your life – and, more importantly, for eternity – what you do for Christ is all that will last. You may be remembered for a generation or three for a few heroic things, but after that, it is not likely that many will know much about your life.

Don’t believe me?  Then tell me all about your great, great grandfather or great, great grandmother – which is just four generations back.  Or, if you’re one of those history-loving people who loves knowing about your family history… what about your grandchild?  What will they know about your great, great grandparents (six generations back)? Believe it or not, I’m not trying to depress you. What I am trying to do is help you think far past your lifetime.

Wait a second! This is a blog about relationships. What does Pontius Pilate’s life and my eternity have to do with relationships? On the surface, it may not seem like they go hand-in-hand, but when you look at how your choice in a marriage partner will affect every area of your life, you can quickly see that he or she will either spur you on to spiritual things or hold you back. The phrase “only what’s done for Christ will last” is powerful. It makes us question our actions and motives. That college degree might seem impressive now, but was it gained for Christ, or for your recognition? That weight loss goal you met has your friends and family baffled at how amazing you look… but did you lose the weight to bring glory to yourself and your body or to bring glory to the Lord through your health? One of the hardest areas of having right motives is in the area of marriage. Is your choice of spouse based on what he or she does for you and how he or she makes you feel – or did you choose your spouse (potential or current) because you sought God’s will relentlessly and you know that this person can help you fulfill God’s call on your life?

The following is one verse of C.T. Studd’s poem Only One Life:

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.

Your spouse will influence you in very deep and impacting ways. If you spend hours in the Word and your spouse doesn’t spend much time or any time in the Word, you will likely find yourself increasingly moving closer to his or her lifestyle. Maybe you don’t want to watch TV all the time, but it’s always on and you continually find yourself sucked into whatever is playing on the television. Maybe you feel convicted to stay in shape so that you have the physical endurance to run the race to which God has called you; but, your spouse refuses to support you, and even worse, refuses to keep unhealthy foods out of the house.  

In this blog, we have told you in many various ways that it is important to seek the Lord regarding your selection of spouse, but what we want to be sure you understand is that this decision will not only affect your lifetime… it will also affect your children’s lives and their legacy. Additionally, it will follow you into eternity. What you do for Christ will last. Is this man or woman committed to making his/her life count for Christ? Do they think laying up treasure in Heaven is worthwhile or silly? We can believe that we’ll do what we want for Christ without any hindrance from others, but once you become intertwined in the physical and spiritual (i.e., marriage), you will be affected daily by your spouse.

Men, look for ladies who are already storing up treasures in Heaven. Ladies, don’t settle for a man who is not already laying up treasures in Heaven. Don’t fall into the lie that says “no one else is coming for me. I have to accept this proposal.” Only what’s done for Christ will last. It would be better to stay single and work diligently for Christ than to marry someone who draws you into complacency.

What will you do for Christ that will outlast your time on Earth?  Are these desires and plans also a consideration in your choice of spouse?

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Below is the full poem by missionary C.T. Studd (1860-1931). I would recommend printing it and placing it in a prominent location where you will read it often! Enjoy!

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,’ 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.