And Am I Only Born To Die – Hymn Lyric
“And Am I Only Born To Die?” is a profound hymn that explores the purpose of life, the uncertainty of what lies beyond death, and the choices we make in the limited time we have. It urges us to shift our focus from worldly concerns to preparing for our ultimate destiny. By seeking guidance from Jesus, cultivating mindfulness, and prioritizing what truly matters, we can find peace and make our own election sure.
Table of Contents
And Am I Only Born To Die
And am I only born to die?
And must I suddenly comply
With nature’s stern decree?
What after death for me remains?
Celestial joys, or hellish pains,
To all eternity?
How then ought I on earth to live,
While God prolongs the kind reprieve
And props the house of clay?
My sole concern, my single care,
To watch, and tremble, and prepare
Against the fatal day.
No room for mirth or trifling here,
For worldly hope, or worldly fear,
If life so soon is gone:
If now the Judge is at the door,
And all mankind must stand before
The inexorable throne!
No matter which my thoughts employ,
A moment’s misery, or joy;
But O! when both shall end,
Where shall I find my destined place?
Shall I my everlasting days
With fiends, or angels spend?
Nothing is worth a thought beneath
But how I may escape the death
That never, never dies;
How make mine own election sure,
And, when I fail on earth, secure
A mansion in the skies.
Jesus, vouchsafe a pitying ray,
Be Thou my guide, be Thou my way
To glorious happiness;
Ah, write the pardon on my heart,
And whensoe’er I hence depart,
Let me depart in peace.
Meaning of And Am I Only Born To Die – Hymn Lyric
And Am I Only Born To Die? Reflections on Life, Death, and the Choices We Make
Life is a fleeting journey, and as human beings, we find ourselves pondering the purpose and meaning of our existence. In the hymn, “And Am I Only Born To Die?” these profound questions are beautifully expressed. The poet contemplates what lies beyond death’s door, wondering if there are celestial joys awaiting or hellish pains to endure for eternity. This introspection compels us to examine how we should live on this earth while God grants us the precious gift of life.
The poem emphasizes the brevity of life. We are reminded that our time here is limited and that we must make the most of it. God, in His mercy, prolongs the kind reprieve and “props the house of clay.” This awareness should influence our every action and decision. Our sole concern and single care should be to watch, tremble, and prepare ourselves for the inevitable day when we must face the Judge.
With this understanding, there is no room for trivial pursuits or worldly concerns. The poem urges us to let go of our attachments to worldly hopes and fears, recognizing that life can vanish in an instant. The Judge is at the door, and all of humanity will one day stand before the inexorable throne. This thought should weigh heavily on our minds, shifting our focus from the temporary pleasures of this world to the eternal destiny that awaits us.
The poet emphasizes that regardless of the fleeting moments of happiness or misery we experience in this life, the ultimate destination is what truly matters. When our earthly journey comes to an end, we must face the question of where our destinies will lead us. Will it be spent with fiends or angels? The significance of this choice cannot be underestimated.
In light of these reflections, the poem urges us to shift our priorities and focus on what truly matters. Instead of getting caught up in trivial matters, we should redirect our thoughts to how we can escape the ever-present specter of death that never truly dies. Our aim should be to make our own election sure. We must strive to secure a mansion in the skies, an everlasting place of peace and joy.
In this quest for eternal peace, the poet turns to Jesus, seeking solace and guidance. Acknowledging their own need for mercy, they implore Jesus to be their guide and their way to glorious happiness. They yearn for the pardon of their sins to be written on their heart, ensuring that when they depart from this world, it will be in peace.
The hymn “And Am I Only Born To Die?” deepens our understanding of the choices we face in this fleeting life. It reminds us of the brevity of our time on earth and the importance of preparing ourselves for what lies beyond. As seventh-grade students, it may seem daunting to confront such weighty themes, but these questions of purpose and meaning are relevant to people of all ages and walks of life.
So, how can we apply these insights in our everyday lives? First and foremost, we must cultivate a sense of mindfulness about the fragility and preciousness of life. Every moment counts, and we should strive to live each day to the fullest, making choices that align with our ultimate goal of securing a place in the heavens.
Rather than being consumed by material desires and trivial pursuits, we can focus on nurturing our faith and spirituality. This doesn’t mean we should abandon all earthly pleasures or responsibilities but rather that we prioritize what truly matters in the long run.
Additionally, the hymn encourages us to seek forgiveness and redemption. Just as the poet turns to Jesus, we too can seek guidance, support, and forgiveness from a power greater than ourselves. This may involve prayer, meditation, or engaging in religious practices that resonate with us. The aim is to find solace, guidance, and the assurance of a better place beyond this earthly existence.
In conclusion, “And Am I Only Born To Die?” serves as a poignant reminder of the brevity of life and the choices we must make while we are here. It prompts us to reflect on what truly matters and to seek ways to prepare ourselves for the inevitable day when we face the Judge. By living mindfully, nurturing our faith, and seeking forgiveness and redemption, we can make our own election sure and find peace in this life and the next. Let us heed the wisdom of this hymn and make the most of the time we have been given.
I hope this hymn inspired image brings you hope and peace. Share it with someone who needs it today!
