Text: Colossians 3:1-17
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” —Colossians 3:17
Johann Sebastian Bach is regarded as one of the most brilliant composers of all time. From the Baroque era to present, his works have been revered for their musical complexities and stylistic innovations. Not a bad legacy for the musician who was once critiqued by a town councilor in describing his job candidacy: “Since the best man cannot be obtained we will have to resort to a mediocre one.”
In 1685, Bach was born into a well-connected musical family from Eisenach, a town in central Germany that was strongly associated with Martin Luther and the German Reformation. As a child he learned violin, harpsichord, and organ. After becoming an orphan at age 10, the youngster lived with his eldest brother for several years while using music to express his innermost thoughts and feelings. His gift was not hidden for long as he landed his first job as a church organist when he was seventeen years old. When Bach played music he felt his soul praising God, once noting that the chief end of all music “should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.”
At one church where he worked, the people began to complain about the music he had been composing, saying it was “too showy” and sinful. Their criticisms cut him deeply. Bach was stunned, attesting “my music comes from the heart as a humble offering to God… no matter what musical style I use.” From this season of pruning came a practice that would ultimately mark his legacy for generations to come. Whenever he began a new composition, he bowed his head and prayed:
“Jesus, help me show your glory through the music I write. May it bring you joy even as it brings joy to your people.”
Before writing even one note, Bach etched across the top of the page the letters JJ (Jesu juva; Latin for “Jesus, help”) or JH (for the German of the same phrase). Whether he was writing something for the court, for his friend Prince Leopold, or for the church, he would begin his work by petitioning Christ to help him. “I play the notes as they are written but it is God who makes the music,” he believed. And when he was done, he would add the initials SDG (Soli Deo Gloria)—praying that each piece of music would humbly proclaim “To God Alone be the Glory.”
As part of Paul’s “Put on the New Self” address to Christ-followers in Colossae (Colossians 3:1-17), believers are urged to “set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (v.2); to put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience (v.12); to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (v. 16). The variety here suggests that God delights in creative, spontaneous worship whether in the assembly or in the home. And most importantly—“whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (v.17).
Bach had his own unique way of reminding himself the importance of these words—setting the mind’s affection toward that which is pleasing and glorifying to God in everything, word or deed. How might you be able to mark your days with “all for the glory of God” as the signature of your effort and activity? What could become your initials for asking Jesus’ help as you engage in your daily work? What might your life look like if you covered each piece of your days with that same prayer? What kind of spontaneous worship might that elicit? Imagine the effect of your to-do list with “JJ” at the top and “SDG” at the bottom. Think about that as you seek to abide in Him this week!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I need your help. Apart from you I can do nothing of any significance or lasting effect. Help me to find my joy in doing everything for your glory alone. Teach me how to practice this in my daily approach to life. In your name and for your honor, Amen.
Questions for Reflection and/or Family Discussion:
- Where did Paul tell the Colossians to turn their attention? (Colossians 3:1)
- How were the Colossian believers called to clothe themselves? (vv.12-17)
- What is one principle that ought to guide everything we do? (V.17)
- If you consistently set your affection on Christ, how would your life be different?
- How can you be mindful to ask for Jesus’ help as you engage in your daily work this week?
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