Soli Deo Gloria

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
(1Co 10:31)

Soli Deo Gloria is the last sola of the Reformation which wraps up the purpose for which we do all things. Meaning “For the Glory of God Alone,” it adequately describes the reason for living. As the Westminster Shorter Catechism says, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” This sola answers the eternal question of “What is the meaning of life?” Contrary to our popular culture it is not “all about me.” The only reason we were created was to bring glory to our creator. Only by fulfilling this purpose can we have meaning in our lives.

Brothers and sisters, if we would make this principle effective in our lives, it would bring great peace. If we are living to the glory of God, it does not matter if we suffer persecution. We can take comfort that we are pleasing our Lord. It is possible to find peace in the midst of the whirlwind when we are resting in the sovereign will of our God.

How can we glorify God? Again, the catechism answers this question. We glorify God by loving Him and doing what He commands. Is the thing you are contemplating doing forbidden in scripture? If so, then participating in that action can not and will not be done to the glory of God. If it is not expressly forbidden, does it line up with the “Spirit of the Word?” For instance, though the Bible does not speak to the recreational use of drugs, it does prohibit being “drunk with wine.” Therefore, we know that to use drugs in such a manner would also violate scripture. If the Bible appears silent on an issue, pray for wisdom, be open to what the scripture tells you, be open to what others are able to show you from scripture, but in the end if you can do it “for the Glory of God,” enjoy your liberty and glorify him in such manner.