A Beautiful Life (Each Day I’ll Do)

A Sermon based on the hymn by Ellen T. Slater

Introduction

“A Beautiful Life” is a gentle yet powerful hymn that expresses the sincere aim of every Christian—to live each day in service to others and in devotion to God. Attributed to Ellen T. Slater, this hymn holds a special place in the hearts of many in the churches of Christ. Its message harmonizes perfectly with New Testament teaching, especially Galatians 6:10 and James 1:27. The song is simple in wording but deep in spirit. It calls us to action—not once, not occasionally—but “each day.” The repetition of that phrase throughout the hymn reminds us that faith is not seasonal or selective; it is a daily discipline of love and sacrifice.

This hymn is often sung at funerals, perhaps because it beautifully sums up the Christian’s purpose. But it’s not a song about death—it’s a song about how to live. With images of helping others, spreading kindness, and turning darkness into light, “A Beautiful Life” teaches us that greatness in the kingdom of God is measured not by fame or fortune, but by service and selflessness. The final lines of the chorus look forward to heaven, where we’ll face the deeds we have done. Let us prepare for that moment by living each day with intention, with compassion, and with Christ at the center.

Stanza 1

“Each day I'll do a golden deed
By helping those who are in need;
My life on earth is but a span,
And so I'll do the best I can.”

This opening stanza challenges us to seize each day with purpose. The “golden deed” isn’t limited to grand gestures—it could be a word of encouragement, an act of kindness, or an expression of love. Galatians 6:10 exhorts, “As we have opportunity, let us do good unto all.” The brevity of life—“but a span”—echoes James 4:14, urging us to make every moment count. Since we don’t know how much time we have left, we must live each day as though it could be our last opportunity to do good.

Stanza 2

“To be a child of God each day,
My light must shine along the way;
I'll sing His praise while ages roll
And strive to help some troubled soul.”

Here, the songwriter emphasizes identity and influence. To be a child of God isn’t just a name—it’s a responsibility. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men.” That light is made visible through service and sincere praise. Helping a “troubled soul” reflects both love for the lost and obedience to the Great Commission. When we speak, sing, and act in ways that reflect Christ, we bring healing and hope.

Stanza 3

“The only life that will endure
Is one that's kind and good and pure,
And so for God, I'll take my stand,
Each day I'll lend a helping hand.”

What kind of life will endure beyond the grave? Not one built on selfish ambition, but one marked by kindness, goodness, and purity—qualities praised in Romans 2:6–7. Taking a stand for God means committing daily to truth and righteousness (Joshua 24:15). The image of “lending a helping hand” reminds us of James 1:27, where pure religion is described as visiting the fatherless and widows. Holiness and service walk hand in hand.

Stanza 4

“I'll help someone in time of need
And journey on with rapid speed;
I'll help the sick and poor and weak
And words of kindness to them speak.”

This stanza speaks of urgency and compassion. We “journey on with rapid speed,” because time is not guaranteed. John 9:4 says, “The night cometh, when no man can work.” Therefore, we help while we can. Like Jesus, who ministered to the sick and weak (Luke 4:18), we should do the same. And our words matter—Proverbs 16:24 teaches that “pleasant words are as an honeycomb.” Kindness can heal.

Stanza 5

“While going down life's weary road
I'll try to lift some trav'ler's load;
I'll try to turn the night to day,
Make flowers bloom along the way.”

This life is a “weary road” at times, filled with trials. But we’re not called to walk alone—we’re called to help others along the way. Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear ye one another’s burdens.” The metaphors here—“turn the night to day” and “make flowers bloom”—are poetic ways to describe bringing joy, comfort, and renewal into people’s lives. A beautiful life is one that leaves beauty behind it.

Chorus

“Life's evening sun is sinking low,
A few more days and I must go
To meet the deeds that I have done,
Where there will be no setting sun.”

The chorus is a sobering reflection. Life is passing swiftly. Every one of us will “meet the deeds” we’ve done (2 Corinthians 5:10). This line reminds us of the importance of daily faithfulness. For the faithful, there is comfort: heaven holds “no setting sun” (Revelation 22:5). No more death, no more night—only eternal light in the presence of the Lord.

A Beautiful Life Sermon Outline:

Introduction

• Authored by Ellen T. Slater

• A call to live each day for Christ and others

• Theme: service, compassion, urgency, eternal hope

Stanza 1 – Doing Golden Deeds

• Galatians 6:10 – Do good as opportunity allows

• James 4:14 – Life is a vapor; act now

Stanza 2 – Shining Your Light

• Matthew 5:16 – Let your light shine

• Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice and praise always

Stanza 3 – A Life That Lasts

• Romans 2:6–7 – God will reward good works

• Joshua 24:15 – Choose to serve the Lord

• James 1:27 – True religion is caring and pure

Stanza 4 – Compassion and Speed

• John 9:4 – Work while it is day

• Luke 4:18 – Jesus ministered to the poor and sick

• Proverbs 16:24 – Kind words are healing

Stanza 5 – Bearing Burdens

• Galatians 6:2 – Bear one another’s burdens

• Bring joy, lift the weary, spread light and hope

Chorus – Facing Our Deeds

• 2 Corinthians 5:10 – All must give account

• Revelation 22:5 – In heaven, no more night

Call to Action

What kind of life are you living? A beautiful life isn’t measured by applause—it’s marked by faithful service, daily kindness, and genuine love. If you’re not a Christian, obey the gospel today: believe, repent, confess Christ, and be baptized (Acts 2:38). If you are, renew your resolve to live every day for Him. The “evening sun” is setting—live in such a way that you’re ready to meet your deeds.

Scripture Reference List

Galatians 6:10 – Encouragement to do good as opportunity allows
James 4:14 – Life is short like a vapor
Matthew 5:16 – Let your light shine to glorify God
Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always
Romans 2:6–7 – God will judge and reward each one
Joshua 24:15 – Choose to serve God
James 1:27 – Pure religion is caring and holy
John 9:4 – We must work while it is day
Luke 4:18 – Jesus helped the poor and afflicted
Proverbs 16:24 – Kind words bring healing
Galatians 6:2 – Bear one another’s burdens
2 Corinthians 5:10 – We must give account for our deeds
Revelation 22:5 – In heaven, there will be no night

Song History

“A Beautiful Life” is attributed to Ellen T. Slater, though little is known about her beyond the legacy of this song. This hymn has become a staple in churches of Christ, especially in moments of reflection such as funerals and the Lord’s Day invitation. Its simplicity and sincerity continue to inspire Christians to live each day in service and holiness, preparing to meet the Lord with confidence and joy.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO