This week in our family Come Follow Me study, we've been enjoying the 80 or so questions Alma posed to the people of Zarahemla.
But I couldn't help thinking how much his counsel rings true when it comes to music in the church. Especially congregational singing.
All his talk of the "mighty change" and questions like, "can ye feel so now?" really got me thinking.
I seems to me that the Nephites in that time were suffering from apathy.
They'd just been through an awful civil was with the Amlicites who'd teamed up with a massive host of Lamanites.
Even Alma himself fought and was injured.
Their fields had been trampled, and I assume they had an awful harvest that year.
It was a tough time. I can see how apathy snuck in.
And then, once they started getting back on their feet, a whole bunch of them started on the all-too-common cycle of feeling very proud of themselves because of their riches. And the pride cycle began to turn.
They took for granted how much their blessings meant. How hard they had to fight for them. And they seemed to forget how indebted they were to the Lord for his help.
I know I've fallen into the apathy trap.
Even though I've had my own "mighty change" of heart and attitude many times.
Which is why I love Alma's "can ye feel so now?" question.
And I see a way we often fall into the apathy trap today.
Because we all too often (and I know I'm preaching to the choir, but, still...) take for granted the sheer power of commonplace congregational singing.
And when it's our turn to lead the congregational singing, we're in danger of falling into the apathy trap yet again.
Oh yeah, just another Sunday. Just another hymn. Just another 2 pattern. Just another cutoff.
And around we go again.
Not that we're being prideful.
But, aren't we missing the chance to remember the mighty change? Or, even more importantly, to create some new mighty changes for us and our congregation?
Yes, in the upcoming "Conduct the Hymns with Dr. Pew" Virtual Workshop, we will talk about technique and gestures and all the mechanics.
But we'll talk about it under the umbrella of what's most important... the MIGHTY CHANGE!
So, if you'd like to take up the arm-waving challenge and join forces with me and Alma at the same time, consider putting your name on the waiting list.
Just click the link below and I'll make sure you hear about when we're officially getting started. Which won't be much longer.
https://douglaspew.ck.page/6c95a4c00d
Take care,
Doug