Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) is one of the greatest and most prolific music composers in all of history. But have you ever seen his handwritten ‘S.D.G’ at the end of each manuscript?
His life wasn’t easy. Orphaned before he was ten, he would serve a month in prison, and lose his first wife, leaving him with many children. But Bach depended on God for help and aimed to glorify Him through his music, which he created both for entertainment at court and for church worship. Soli Deo Gloria: to the glory of God alone.
Whether or not we are musical, “whatever” we do, we too should “do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Today’s reading teaches that Christians were permitted to eat anything (vv. 25–26), but should abstain from certain foods if eating them might cause someone else to stumble in their walk with God (vv. 23, 32–33). Paul broadened the principle, however, with his all-embracing “whatever”. We glorify God as we live for “the good of others” ( v. 24), seeking “that they may be saved” (v. 33).
Bach didn’t compose music primarily for himself, his employer or his audience, but to reflect God’s beauty, truth and love. Similarly, in “whatever” we do, we can bring God honour, credit and praise. Our words and deeds, integrity and behaviour, at work and at rest, can glorify God and inspire others towards Him.
By Anne Le Tissier
REFLECT & PRAY
How has art, music, writing or creation itself inspired your praise of God’s splendour, majesty, dignity and honour? As you approach whatever you’re doing today as a means to reveal God to others, how does that shape your attitude towards it?
Saving Jesus, help me to speak, act and do my work in ways that reveal Your love and truth so that others may turn their hearts and minds to You.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In writing these words to the church at Corinth, Paul was attempting to recalibrate their values and priorities. As a church family, the Corinthians had become marked by sin, division, pride, lawsuits against one another, and personality cults. The apostle was reminding them of what matters most. We can learn from his words as well. First, the glory and honour of God must be paramount in our thinking (1 Corinthians 10:31). Second, our example must not bring harm to anyone, but rather bring the grace of Jesus to all (vv. 32–33). Third, we likewise need examples to pattern the Christ-life for us ( 11:1).
Bill Crowder
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