Snow - Be Thou Humble - April 2016

Elder Snow is a member of the Quorum of the Seventy.  He speaks of the power of music to teach the basic doctrines of the gospel.

• We are blessed in the Church to have a collection of hymns which help us worship through song. In our Church meetings, “the hymns invite the Spirit of the Lord, create a feeling of reverence, unify us as members, and provide a way for us to offer praises to the Lord. Some of the greatest sermons are preached by the singing of hymns.”
  

He speaks of Sister Grietje Rowley who wrote the words to the hymn "Be Thou Humble."

• Like all of the Church’s hymns, “Be Thou Humble” teaches pure and simple truths. It teaches us that if we humble ourselves, our prayers are answered; we enjoy peace of mind; we serve more effectively in our callings; and, if we continue to be faithful, we will ultimately return to the presence of our Heavenly Father.

He expounded on the term humility as he brought the teachings of this hymn to be the focus of his talk.  The hymn teaches some basic gospel truths that we need to be aware of.

• But humility is not something reserved to be taught only to children. We must all strive to become more humble. Humility is essential to gain the blessings of the gospel. Humility enables us to have broken hearts when we sin or make mistakes and makes it possible for us to repent. Humility enables us to be better parents, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, neighbors and friends.

If we are humble and see ro recognize our dependence on the Savior for all we have, we will be granted many blessings in our lives.

• If we choose to be spiritually attuned and remain humble and teachable, our prayers become more earnest and faith and testimony will grow as we overcome the tribulations of mortal existence. All of us look forward to exaltation, but before this can occur, we must persevere through what has been referred to as the “valley of humility.”
  

Speaking about humility in our church leaders, he gave a great thought from Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

• It should come as no surprise that President Kimball’s favorite hymn was “I Need Thee Every Hour.” Elder Dallin H. Oaks reported that this was the most oft-sung opening hymn by the Brethren in the temple during his early years in the Quorum of the Twelve. He said, “Picture the spiritual impact of a handful of the Lord’s servants singing that song before praying for his guidance in fulfilling their mighty responsibilities.”
  

Elder Snow spoke of lessons his son had learned about being humble as he suffered a terrible accident that let him with no short term memory.  He shared the struggles that he and his wife went through as they tried to help their son through these issues.  As they helped their son, they grew to understand humility more in their own lives.  Finally, Elder Snow concludes with these words.

• I testify of the importance of humility in our lives. I am grateful for the individuals like Sister Grietje Rowley who have penned inspiring words and music which help us learn the doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which includes humility. I am grateful we have a legacy of hymns, which helps us to worship through song, and I am grateful for humility. It is my prayer we will all strive for humility in our lives so we might become better parents, sons and daughters, and followers of the Savior.
  

We all could use a little more humility in our lives.  I believe that if we are to seek to be humble, we have to spend our time growing our gratitude for the things that the Lord has given us.  When we recognize our dependence on the Lord, we will be more humble and appreciative of the things that He gives us and the experiences he puts in our lives.