So, what’s on my mind?
While doing some writing this week, I came across an interesting fact about Johann Sebastian Bach, the famous composer whose music has been enjoyed by generations. Apparently, Bach would often write the initials SDG at the end of his musical compositions. These letters stood for the Latin phrase Soli Deo Gloria, which means “To God alone be the glory.”
Now, I’ll never compose a symphony or create anything that people would want to listen to it for the next 300 years. But I can certainly appreciate the idea of signing your work with a reminder of who deserves the credit!
Bach’s little signature also connects to something else that makes this week special: this Sunday is Reformation Sunday. During the Protestant Reformation, these words became one of the Five Solae, five Latin phrases that summarized important convictions of the Reformation. Soli Deo Gloria was a reminder that our lives, our faith, and everything we do should ultimately point toward the glory of God.
Of course, that sounds wonderful when we are talking about Bach’s music. It gets a little more complicated when we start talking about the rest of our lives. It’s easy to give God the glory when something goes well. In those moments, we can easily recognize God’s goodness. But in the ordinary moments? When nobody notices? Or the small act of service that never makes it into the church newsletter? Can those things glorify God, too? Absolutely!
Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, you should do it all for God’s glory” (CEB). That covers a lot of ground! Glorifying God is not limited to Sunday mornings, beautiful music, or great acts of faith. It happens in the everyday ways we love our neighbors, care for one another, practice forgiveness, and seek to live like Jesus.
So, as we celebrate Reformation Sunday, maybe borrow a page from Bach’s music sheet. We may not need to sign our work with three Latin initials, but we can approach each day with the same intention: Soli Deo Gloria. To God alone be the glory.
May God hold you,
Rev Chris Hester
