Awake to the Cross

I read this article, Getting Bored With the Right Things, a couple days ago after our pastor posted it on his Facebook wall. I'm not always quick to "re-post" things, but with this one I did. I asked Paul to read it and told him that I think it changed my life. Of course, you cannot see the fruits of a life changed in just 10 minutes, but what I meant is that I want this to change the way that I think. And I want my life to look different as a result of my thinking being transformed.

I'm praying now over myself and Paul that "the things of earth will grow strangely dim," and that we will be awake to the things of the cross and asleep to the things of the world. This applies to so much right now. In our life and home, in our country and in the world. It is so tempting to be distracted by things that are fading away. I get worked up about things that actually will perish and I spend such little time knowing Jesus and passionately fighting for the souls of men.

This all made me think of the poem by C.T. Studd which was made known to me through the writings of Elisabeth Elliot. I made the little sampler above and set it as my desktop background to help me remember the repeating line throughout the day. The poem reads:

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.