SDG

​Johann Sebastian Bach was to classical music what William Shakespeare was to English literature.  He is credited with writing over 256 cantatas. Though I wouldn’t consider myself an expert on classical music, but even I can recognize “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” when I hear it.  It is played as the bridal entrance in most wedding ceremonies. [I once took a music appreciation class in college and I’ve often wished I had paid more attention – I think I squeaked by with a C.]
 
What you may not know about Bach’s music was his motive.  He wasn’t just writing scores to make money or to become famous.  His works were prayers before they were songs, literally.
 
Before Bach started scoring a sheet of music, he would scrawl J.J. – Jesu, juva – at the very top.  It was the simplest of prayers:  Jesus, help me.
 
Then, at the completion of every composition, Bach inscribed three letters in the margin of his music: SDG.  Those three letters stood for the Latin phrase – Soli Deo Gloria – to the glory of God alone.
Every note Bach composed, everything in his life was for the glory of God.

What if all of us lived that way.  What if we wrote an essay for English class for the glory of God?  What if entrepreneurs wrote J.J. -–Jesus, help me at the top of their business plan?  What if an auto mechanic etched the letters SDG on every muffler he installed?  What if Mom’s folded laundry and Dad’s mowed grass for the “glory of God?”

The question this morning is why do you do what you do?  Are you seeking success, fame, and personal glory?  Or do you want your life to count for God.
I read something recently from Pastor, Mark Batterson that I really like.  It is a simple little formula that describes life.

                Everything – Jesus = Nothing
                Jesus + Nothing = Everything
​
It really is that simple.  Live your life today for the glory of God!
 
Have a great week!
Pastor Barry