Hymn singing is a ritual in
every religion on the planet. It helps a
collection of people share in a common expression of belief and in a manner
that is joyful or celebrative.
John Wesley, with his brother Charles,
founded what is now the Methodist Church. In his 1761 book, Select Hymns, he wrote the “Directions for Singing” currently found
in the front of the hymnals in most Methodist churches. If you substituted “service” for “singing,”
Wesley’s directions also provide powerful tenants for delivering remarkable
service.
“Sing lustily and with good
courage. Beware of singing as if you
were half dead or half asleep. Sing
modestly…that you may not destroy the harmony but unite your voices together. Sing all..let not a slight degree of weakness
or weariness hinder you. Sing in
time…taking care not to sing too slow. Above
all, sing spiritually. Aim at pleasing
God more than yourself…so the Lord will approve and reward you…”
If your service were a hymn, would
it elevate the spirits of your customers?
Would it unite the passions of those who “sing” with you?
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