To God Alone Be Glory!
“People are glorifying God as they see the generosity shown in your sharing”
2 Corinthians 9:13
Soli Deo Gloria. You’d have to be a real theological geek or a genuinely Lutheran pastor (do I repeat myself?) to know what it means. It’s Latin for “to God alone be glory”. Early Lutherans often put its abbreviation – S. D. G. – at the end of their literary works. The Lutheran musical genius Johann Sebastian Bach put these letters at the end of his every composition.
It’s the way every Christian thinks. To God alone be glory!—especially for my salvation, since it is solely his work. To God alone be glory—also for anything good that comes from me, since the Holy Spirit has enabled, motivated, and directed it.
We could also write S. D. G. on every offering envelope, on every check we write to church, on every notation as we give online, or on a slip of paper with anything we put in the plate. God gave me this money. Christ’s sacrifice – delivering to me salvation no money could buy – has motivated this offering. The Spirit has directed me to seize this opportunity, and has me convinced he’ll take care of me despite the “loss”. Soli Deo Gloria!
The Corinthians understood this. Paul reminded them: as their offerings helped others, those others were glorifying God. That’s the whole goal of a Christian’s life. So, give generously. Your funds are helpful to others forever, since you are supporting those who deliver the gospel to them. The people who trust their word – God’s Word of Jesus the Savior! – will be glorifying God forever, right along with you!