Thoughtful Thursday - Soli Deo Gloria

Soli Deo Gloria

(To God alone the Glory)
Previously published with a newsletter for girls, Incorruptible Beauty

Perhaps one of the greatest composers in the Baroque period was Johann Sebastian Bach. His life was one filled with music. He was not only a master organist and harpsichordist, but was also well-known for his musical compositions. For a man as great as Bach, it would seem natural for him to credit his accomplishments to a lifetime of hard work and sacrifice. However, on his sacred music, he humbly wrote “J.J.” at the beginning and “S.D.G.” at the completion of each piece. These are abbreviations for “Jesu Juva” (Jesus help) and “Soli Deo Gloria” (to God alone the glory). Even though Bach was highly esteemed, he still acknowledged that Jesus was the only One to Whom he must go for help, and that God was the One to receive all credit for his works. What a testimony!

There will be many times in this life when we will have the temptation to credit ourselves for the work we do. Paul charges us otherwise, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” (Romans 12:1-3) It is only our duty to follow God’s leading. If He, in His abundant grace and mercy, leads us to be famous or great in any way, our thoughts, words, and actions should always point to our Creator, Who gives us the very strength to live. May our hearts ever repeat the phrase “Soli Deo Gloria.”