Why do we do what we do, in all that we do, in every aspect of our lives? Is it about the applause of men? Is it for the lights, the accolades, the pat-on-the-back, the potential 15-minutes of fame? Is it only to hear people that you look up to say, “great job!”?!?! Why do we do what we do as both individuals and as a gathered group of worshipers?
In response to a discourse between the two on who and where worship should be pointed and occur, Jesus said to the Samaritan woman in John 4:24, “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” The essence of our lives (encompassing various expressions of our worship – which, can include mundane tasks like taking out the trash) is not the many good externals (the things people see about you), but heart and head (the things we can’t see). Spirit and truth. It’s our spirit, with our heart desirous of truth, and its compass solely toward the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
But, you say, I don’t feel like being kind, saying good things, or even worshiping. Our lives as worshipers isn’t AT ALL about how we feel. After all, our feelings can fluctuate more often than a south Mississippi thunderstorm (I know this all too well). Our worship, our lives, is about our heart passionately declaring the story of redemption. Our worship reflects our joy of that very story — and, by the way, joy is not the same as happiness. Our worship comes from deep within — not a shallow place that can be shaken.
As humans, we’re so easily distracted from the main things — especially from the main person, Jesus. Do you ever find yourself desiring the applause of man more than the smile of your Heavenly Father? If so, make a declaration that from now on…
FROM NOW ON (THE GREATEST SHOWMAN)
I saw the sun begin to dim
And felt that winter wind low cold
A man learns who is there for him when the glitter fades and the walls won’t hold
‘Cause from then, rubble
What remains can only be what’s true
If all was lost there’s more I gained
‘Cause it led me back
To you
From now on
These eyes will not be blinded by the lights
From now on
What’s waited till tomorrow starts tonight, tonight
Let this promise in me start
Like an anthem in my heart
From now on
From now on
The Father is honored if we set aside the world’s vain and temporary approval and simply present ourselves from now on, with the Holy Spirit’s help, back to the heart of worship, as the familiar Matt Redman song encourages us, again and again, in declaring the story of redemption through Jesus Christ.
So, why do we do what we do? It’s not for the applause of man, but ultimately for the smile of our Heavenly Father.
The latin phrase Soli Deo Gloria simply means “to God and God alone.” Sometime back I had the joy of bringing a song idea to a couple of my pals and we crafted what is now a melody and lyric being sung around the world. These are honored moments in life that I’m pleased are pointing people to the one who ultimately deserves the true honor and praise in this life…to God and God alone!
If desired, click here to order Soli Deo Gloria (God and God Alone) for your choir program.
Luke Gambill 
Hello! Where can I purchase more music sheets and accompaniment cd of Soli Deo Gloria (God and God Aline)? Thank you.
Hello! If you’re still desiring to purchase this song (I realize it’s been a few years), I have recently learned these products are all now available again through Brentwood Benson. This link should be of some help. Blessings!!! https://brentwoodbenson.com/323-soli-deo-gloria-god-and-god-alone.html
I wish I had a great and easy answer for you. Unfortunately, with Brentwood-Benson closing their doors, that music has been put out of print. Unfortunate.
Hello, I am looking for a Soli Deo Gloria orchestration CD or MP3. Is there anyway I can download it anywhere?
Hello! It appears these products are all now available again through Brentwood Benson. This link should be of some help. Blessings!!! https://brentwoodbenson.com/323-soli-deo-gloria-god-and-god-alone.html