We have one life; it soon will be past; what we do for God is all

Host: The room is peaceful, the only sound being the gentle crackle of a fire in the hearth. The air outside is crisp, but inside, the warmth of the room creates a comforting contrast. Jack and Jeeny sit together, the quiet settling over them as the weight of the quote from Charles Studd starts to sink in. The room feels full of unspoken thoughts, the conversation about to unfold into something more profound.

Jack: “Charles Studd said, ‘We have one life; it soon will be past; what we do for God is all that will last.’” He repeats the words softly, as if weighing their meaning. “It’s a powerful thought, isn’t it? That everything else in life will pass, but what we do for something greater, for a higher purpose, is the only thing that endures.” He looks up, a quiet reflection in his eyes. “It makes you wonder about the choices we make, doesn’t it? The things we prioritize.”

Jeeny: “It does. It’s almost a reminder to re-evaluate how we spend our time, our energy, and our resources. The idea that everything else — all the material things, the distractions, the achievements — will eventually fade, but the things we do with intention, with purpose, those are the things that have real meaning.” She pauses, her gaze thoughtful. “When we act with purpose and align ourselves with something bigger, those actions have the power to outlast everything else. It’s about legacy, about what we contribute to the world, to others, and to something greater than ourselves.”

Jack: “But what does it really mean to do something for God? Does that mean we have to live a certain way, in a certain kind of devotion, or is it about the way we choose to live every day? The small actions, the choices we make in our interactions with others?” His voice softens, the weight of the question settling in. “How do we know when we’re truly living for a greater purpose, instead of just for ourselves?”

Jeeny: “I think it’s both, Jack. It’s not just about grand gestures, but about living in a way that reflects the values we believe in — love, kindness, service, humility. Doing things with intention, with a focus on the greater good, on what we’re contributing to the world around us. And when we live like that, it’s not about the accolades or the recognition; it’s about the quiet, lasting impact we have on others.” She pauses, her eyes steady. “Living for God, or for a higher purpose, is less about the things we do and more about how we do them. It’s about the heart behind it.”

Jack: “So it’s less about the scale of what we do, and more about the intention behind it?” He nods, the realization beginning to sink in. “Maybe it’s about the little moments, the everyday choices that align with our values. When we choose kindness over convenience, when we choose integrity over ease, those are the things that last.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s in the small things. The way we show up for people, the way we treat others, the way we stay true to our beliefs even when it’s not easy. Those are the moments that create something eternal, something that outlasts us.” Her smile is warm, almost reassuring. “We can’t control how long we have, but we can control the impact we make while we’re here. And when we live with purpose, everything we do takes on a deeper meaning.”

Jack: “I think that’s what Studd is getting at. It’s not about chasing things that will fade, but about living with purpose, with a focus on what really matters.” He exhales slowly, the weight of the conversation settling in his chest. “It’s about making the most of the life we have, and knowing that what we do for others, for something greater, is the only thing that will truly last.”

Jeeny: “Yes. And when we do that — when we live for something bigger than ourselves — it transforms us. It gives us clarity, it gives us peace, and it gives us a sense of fulfillment that nothing else can. Because at the end of the day, the things we do for love, for kindness, for a greater purpose, are the only things that stand the test of time.” Her voice is soft now, full of quiet confidence and peace.

Host: The room is still now, the conversation weaving into a shared understanding. Jack and Jeeny sit together, reflecting on the simple but powerful truth that everything else in life may pass, but what we do with love, purpose, and kindness is what truly endures. As the fire crackles quietly in the background, they both realize that living a life of meaning isn’t about the big moments, but about the choices we make every day — choices that align with a higher purpose, a greater good.

Jack: “Maybe we don’t need to make everything so big, so complicated. Maybe it’s just about living with intention, choosing to make each moment meaningful, even in the small things.” He looks at her, a new sense of peace in his expression. “Those are the things that truly last, right?”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s the way we live — how we choose to show up for the world and for others. That’s what makes a life meaningful, and that’s what lasts.” She smiles softly, a quiet peace settling over her. “In the end, it’s not about what we have, but about what we give.”

Host: The room feels lighter now, the understanding between them deepening. The world outside continues its movement, but inside, Jack and Jeeny have discovered something profound: that it’s not the grand gestures, but the small, intentional choices that truly define a life — choices made with love, kindness, and purpose. And in that, there is legacy, something that will last long after everything else fades away.