Only One Life—Live It for Jesus

“Only one life, it will soon be past; only what is done for Jesus will last.”

These words are not a direct quotation from the Bible, but they express a powerful biblical truth.

1. Our earthly life is short

James 4:14 says:

“For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”

We may live for seventy, eighty, or even more years, but compared with eternity, our time on earth is very brief.

2. Earthly possessions will not last

Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:19–20 not to store up treasures merely upon earth, where they can be destroyed or stolen, but to lay up treasures in Heaven.

Our houses, cars, money, possessions and earthly achievements must eventually be left behind. We brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing out of it.

3. What we do for Christ has eternal value

Paul writes:

“Your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
—1 Corinthians 15:58

Serving Jesus, sharing the Gospel, helping others, praying, giving, showing kindness and faithfully obeying God may sometimes appear to be small things—but God sees them all. Nothing sincerely done for Christ is ever wasted.

4. Salvation is through Christ, not good works

We cannot earn our place in Heaven by performing enough good deeds. Ephesians 2:8–10 teaches that we are saved by God’s grace through faith, not by our own works.

Good works do not purchase salvation; they are the fruit of a life that has already been saved and surrendered to Jesus Christ.

5. Our lives will be examined before Christ

Second Corinthians 5:10 teaches that we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. First Corinthians 3:12–15 also describes our works being tested.

Much of what people value in this world will prove worthless in eternity, but everything done faithfully for Christ will endure and receive its reward.

The message is clear

Life is short, but eternity is forever. We cannot take our earthly possessions with us, but a life surrendered to Jesus is never wasted.

Therefore, while God gives us breath, let us live for Christ, share His love and use our time to glorify His wonderful name.

Jesus said:

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
—Matthew 6:21

Only one life—it will soon be past.
Only what is done for Jesus will last.

GOD IS A GOOD GOD
GOD KNOWS, GOD LOVES,

And God Cares