Day 7: Johann Sebastian Bach - “Soli Deo Gloria”
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Introduction
Johann Sebastian Bach is often regarded as the greatest composer of all time. Yet, Bach wasn’t driven by fame. It’s true that he was widely respected for his extraordinary musical abilities during his lifetime, but he was focused on another goal: to glorify God through his music.
Soli Deo Gloria
Bach composed most of his music for church worship, often playing the piece himself on the organ. Notably, at the end of many of his works, he wrote “S.D.G.” (“Soli Deo Gloria”). It is Latin for “To God alone be the glory.” More than a mere symbol or signature, Bach intended all of the worship he composed to glorify God. This was his genuine posture before God.
It was unusual for a composer to write “S.D.G.” at the end of his compositions, but this attested to Bach’s discipleship under Jesus. He believed that all work, or rather everything, should be done for God’s glory. While many of Bach’s compositions were explicitly for worship, his entire life was framed by God. It is a constant act of surrendering all of who we are and all we do to Christ. Discipleship involves devoting not a part of ourselves, but all of ourselves to God.
Reflection
We may not be as talented as Bach— some of us may even consider ourselves to be talentless! But what pleases God is a heart that is set on Him. Practically, this means that in our workplaces and schools, we honor God by working or studying honestly and diligently. In our relationships, we glorify Him by loving, serving, and forgiving others. At church, we should make sacrifices to serve and build up the body of Christ. Let’s also consider other ways we can glorify God. Like Bach, may we stamp “To God alone be the glory” in all we do.