Hearing the Spirit in the Music: More Than Just a Genre

Brothers and sisters, have you ever been in a missionary discussion, or maybe even just sharing a verse in a Book Club setting, and the conversation naturally drifted to music? It can be a powerful, unexpected place where the Spirit moves.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on something that came across my feed—a clip where someone was passionately arguing that a certain artist is the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) in Christian music. It was spirited, passionate, and frankly, a little bit intense!

It got me thinking about how we, as disciples, are called to be so much more than just doctrinal experts. We are called to be culture-bearers. We are called to be light in the secular spaces, in the music playlists, and in the casual conversations that happen between the temple and the stake center.

When we are preparing for the field, or even when we are serving as returned missionaries helping new disciples navigate the world, we are constantly encountering different cultural touchstones. Music is huge. It’s how people process joy, sorrow, and even deep questions about purpose.

Watching this clip, I realized that while the *passion* for the music was undeniable, the underlying *principle* was what mattered. The fervor was there, but the focus was on the *art* rather than the *source* of the light. This is a principle we need to carry into our own missionary preparation and our daily lives.

The Spirit as the Ultimate Filter

As we learn to discern the Spirit, we are learning to look past the packaging. We are learning to ask: Does this help me draw closer to the Savior? Does this point me toward the restored gospel of Jesus Christ?

This isn't about dismissing art or culture; it’s about ensuring that whatever we engage with—whether it's a song, a book, or a complex social issue—that it doesn't become a spiritual dead end. It needs to lead us back to the Savior.

“And I did know that I could not be saved by my own works, but by the grace of the Lord.” (Alma 31:21)

That principle—grace over works, divine source over human effort—is the thread that runs through everything we do as rogue disciples. Whether you are in the MTC, leading a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces, or just having a casual chat with an investigator, let that be your filter.

Mission Prep Skill: The Gentle Pivot

Here’s a small piece of mission prep I want to pass along to all of you. We’ve talked a lot about *what* to say, but today, let’s focus on *how* to pivot. If a conversation gets overly invested in a secular topic—like the merits of one artist over another—don't shut it down abruptly. Instead, validate the passion, and then gently pivot using a universal truth.

Try something like: “Wow, you clearly love this artist! Their passion is amazing. It reminds me of the passion I feel when I think about the Restoration—the sheer power of what was restored to the earth. Have you ever thought about how that kind of enduring passion can change lives?”

It acknowledges their enthusiasm while redirecting the focus toward the eternal. It’s a subtle way to keep the conversation moving toward the gospel, just like a seasoned companion helping a newer missionary.

We are all in this together. Every member can be an Internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Let’s keep honing these skills together.

If this resonated with you, I highly recommend diving into the latest insights on discerning truth in the digital age. Check out the Iron Rod's latest articles, especially those touching on cultural discernment. And if you want to practice this skill with me, join our next Disciple Challenge this week!