Walk With Me

In the most recent general conference, Sister Tracy Browning spoke about the power of music for children in Primary. She said, “Primary songs can also be powerful doctrinal teaching tools. Some songs tell the stories of the Savior’s life and ministry. Others teach of His attributes, such as His faith, His hope, and His charity. And the most sacred songs testify of His infinite Atonement and the love that flows from that act of salvation.” Though not all songs in the Primary are about the Savior, surely the most important ones are. This reminds me of what Elder Neal A. Maxwell said in his final conference address: “In my Primary days we sang ‘“Give,” Said the Little Stream’ (Children’s Songbook, 236)—certainly sweet and motivating but not exactly theologically drenched. Today’s children, as you know, sing the more spiritually focused ‘I’m Trying to Be like Jesus’ (Children’s Songbook, 78–79).” The song I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus was one of my favorite songs to sing in the Primary and its message is for children, youth, and adults alike: 

I’m trying to be like Jesus;

I’m following in his ways.

I’m trying to love as he did, in all that I do and say.

At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice,

But I try to listen as the still small voice whispers, 

“Love one another as Jesus loves you.

Try to show kindness in all that you do.

Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,

For these are the things Jesus taught.” 

That is indeed what we should be trying to do no matter how old we are, and the song has been a powerful reminder to me on many occasions of how I should act. And one of the main goals of all of the music we sing and listen to in church should be to draw us nearer to the Savior and inspire us to be like Him.  

               Another children’s song that is focused on the Savior was highlighted by Sister Browning. She said, “Another beloved Primary song captures the power of simple faith and enduring testimony:

As I walk with Jesus to my home above,

He will bless me with His Spirit and fill me with His love,

Change my heart forever and help me clearly see.

I will walk with Jesus, and He will walk with me. 

As children sing, they are expressing the desire of a disciple and learning the pattern of covenant living. The Spirit can use music to engrave eternal truths on their tender hearts. And in time, children can choose to tune and turn their hearts and their lives toward Jesus Christ by making and keeping sacred covenants with Him.” This song reminds us of these words of the Lord to the prophet Enoch: “Behold my Spirit is upon you, wherefore all thy words will I justify; and the mountains shall flee before you, and the rivers shall turn from their course; and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you; therefore walk with me” (Moses 6:34). He invited Enoch to walk with Him, and this new song invites children and all of us to likewise walk with Him.    

               Sister Browning also said this: “I invite you to consider what foundational truths have been written into your hearts through the simple teachings of these songs and to testify of those truths to the Savior’s youngest disciples as you teach them the good news of the gospel through song…. I testify that in Gethsemane, Jesus Christ bore the weight of our sins, sorrows, and pains. He suffered willingly because of His love for us and made it possible for us to be forgiven and to return home.” In saying these she referenced a relatively new children’s song that has quickly become beloved by nearly all in the church: Gethsemane. How powerful it is that our children sing these words: 

He felt all that was sad, wicked, or bad, all the pain we would ever know.

While His friends were asleep, He fought to keep His promise made long ago.

Gethsemane! Jesus loves me,

So He went willingly to Gethsemane.

The hardest thing that ever was done,

The greatest pain that ever was known,

The biggest battle that ever was won—

This was done by Jesus!

The fight was won by Jesus! 

We hope that this and other songs focused on the Savior will penetrate deep into the hearts of our children as they learn of Him through the power of music. The Savior indeed won the biggest battle ever so that He could help us through all our struggles. He won the fight and will help our children win theirs as they walk with Him. How grateful I am for this sacred music that helps instill a testimony of Jesus Christ in the hearts of my own children.