There is a small difference between making work our God and loving God through our work. So says Tim Keller in his book Every Good Endeavor. In the former, work becomes a cruel taskmaster. In the other, our work can be one more expression of love. One of Keller’s illustrations of the latter is John Coltrane’s groundbreaking album, A Love Supreme, released in 1964.

Coltrane, in the liner notes to this album, writes:

During the year 1957, I experienced, by the grace of God, a spiritual awakening which was to lead me to a richer, fuller, more productive life. At that time, in gratitude, I humbly asked to be given the means and privilege to make others happy through music. I feel this has been granted through His grace. ALL PRAISE TO GOD. 

As time and events moved on, a period of irresolution did prevail. I entered into a phase which was contradictory to the pledge and away from the esteemed path; but thankfully, now and again through the unerring and merciful hand of God, I do perceive and have been duly re-informed of His OMNIPOTENCE, and of our need for, and dependence on Him. At this time I would like to tell you that NO MATTER WHAT … IT IS WITH GOD. HE IS GRACIOUS AND MERCIFUL. HIS WAY IS IN LOVE, THROUGH WHICH WE ALL ARE. IT IS TRULY – A LOVE SUPREME – .

I was inspired by Keller to pick up a copy (found one second hand at Half Price Books!) and was delighted to discover this jazz classic written as an act of worship, but also a consummate piece of music in which Coltrane is joined by McCoy Tyner on piano, Jimmy Garrison on bass, and Elvin Jones on drums.

One of the delightful things about this work is that this act of worship is also a work of excellence. This seems fitting, that works of love are works that delight and works of excellence. It seems we often look for work that we love and struggle when it is frustrating. What if instead work were something done to express our love, as was Coltrane’s work? How might that make a difference?