Soli Deo Gloria

Photo courtesy of livingwordfreelutheran.org

One of the perks of homeschooling my little ones is that I am able to learn and explore areas of study that I never had exposure to when I was in school.  Some topics of study I've recently enjoyed learning about are the Isolation Period of Japan, the Mexican Revolution, Canadian geography, and baroque composers.

Especially Johann Sebastian Bach.

While I had heard of Bach and been exposed to some of his music growing up, I never knew much about his personal or spiritual life.  Come to find out, he was a very godly man and quite the family man--in fact, he had 20 kids!  He also went to school in the same place in Germany that Martin Luther had, years earlier (how cool would that have been!?).  But what most impressed me about his life and talent was that he would always give God the glory for it.

Before composing the first note, Bach would pray and write the letters "J J" at the top of the page, meaning Jesus Help Me.  And then, at the end of his composition, he would inscribe these words:

Photo courtesy of scientificgems.wordpress.com

Soli Deo Gloria.  

To the Glory of God Alone.

You see, to Bach, music's purpose was for the glory of God.  He is quoted as saying, "The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul."

This reminds me of Paul's exhortation to us as believers in the pages of 1 Corinthians 10:31:

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

Bach understood this--composing music and enjoying music, can and should be done in God's strength and for His glory.

People today know Bach as one of the most talented and brilliant composers that ever lived.  But it wasn't always so; Johann Sebastian Bach lived in relative obscurity for over 100 years before his work was fully appreciated (it would take his son, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, one of four of his sons to go on to become famous composers, for people to take notice of his father's brilliant masterpieces!).  

I am inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach's quiet example--to serve, to live, to love and work and play for the glory of God.  Not for fame.  Not for money.  Not working according to my perceived strength and wisdom.  But with a humble spirit, prayerfully asking for Jesus' help to accomplish all things, and then giving God all the glory when the work is done.