“The idea that Bach wrote music to glorify God is widely accepted, but in our age of 'listener pleasure', Bach himself probably would be appalled with certain modern secular attitudes toward his music. … It never ceases to amaze me the arrogance of some musicians and critics in their claims of 'knowing the true Bach' without reference to his religious faith, which is responsible for the high quality, indeed the striving for a certain perfection 'to please the Creator.'“ - (David, Hans T. and Mendel, Arthur: The Bach Reader) Those who know his work much better than I do claim that Bach’s music cannot be grasped in full without understanding his Christian faith!
What moves you?
Is your life impossible to understand without a reference
point to the Almighty God?
Peter and Paul, leaders of the Church, urge us to live with
a godly aim. "So whether you eat or
drink or whatever you do, do it all for
the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31, NIV) "If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words
of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so
that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever
and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 4:11, NIV) Paul says that even our mundane choices of
food and drink should be formed around an awareness of God and what makes His
Name great! Those early Christians to
whom he was writing often fought about whether their diets should be kosher and
whether they should eat meat that was blessed in the name of idol gods. Some dismissed
the argument as silly; others viewed it as critical. Paul said that both were
missing the larger issue – What brought honor to the Lord? Peter’s direction was about spiritual gifts. Speaking, serving, giving, leading – the motive
is never about enhancing the reputation of the person!
What is living for the glory of God?
The New Testament word is ‘doxa’ or ‘doxazo.’ The word speaks of radiance, excellence,
majesty. Our lives, at their very best,
should cause others to take note of Him, to say, “What an amazing God,” not “What
an amazing person.” Much of human
endeavor is designed to capture attention, to impress, to garner admiration, or
to secure wealth and position. Christians
live differently!
Jesus expressed it as ‘seeking
first the kingdom of God.’
Is that goal first in your mind and heart? As you live
today, examine your motives. Go deeper, under the outward appearance, and ask
yourself –
Why am I doing this?
Am I remembering to honor my God?
Why am I doing this?
Am I remembering to honor my God?
There is a sobering truth about motives. They make all the
difference! When we stand before Christ, at the Judgment, His gaze will
penetrate beneath the surface. "For
the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest
two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It
exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden
from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to
whom we are accountable." (Hebrews 4:12-13, NLT) Why wait to that Day and see much of what was
supposedly done for Him disappear in a puff of smoke, burnt up because of
unworthy self-centered motives? Pray for a humble heart, confident in His power
and authentic before God and Man. Then live,
Soli Deo Gloria – for the glory of
God alone!
_____________
Be Glorified
Your love has captured
me!
Your grace has set me
free!
Your life, the air I
breathe.
Be glorified in me.
You set my feet to
dancing,
You set my heart on
fire.
In the presence of a
thousand kings,
You are my one desire.
And I stand before You
now
With trembling hands
lifted high,
Be glorified.
Be glorified in me,
Be glorified in me,
Be glorified in me,
Be glorified!
Chris Tomlin | Jesse Reeves | Louie Giglio
© 1999 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG
Publishing)
CCLI License # 810055
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