Truth is Truth
I’ve seen a trend in this world that concerns me. Satan can be very persuasive and he seeks to deceive, “even the very elect. (Matt 24:24)” One of those ways, is his compelling argument that we can pick and choose what we believe is true.
Yet, God’s truth is absolute truth.
It is not something we can pick and choose as we seem fit.
And no matter how much we may convince ourselves otherwise, God’s truth will still be there.
In his talk in the October 2022 general conference, Elder Denelson Silva quote President Nelson and shared this about God’s truth:
“In general conference of October 2021, President Russell M. Nelson, our beloved prophet, taught that contrary to what some think, there really is what we call right and wrong. There really does exist an absolute truth—an eternal truth. (See “Pure Truth, Pure Doctrine, and Pure Revelation,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 6.)
The holy scriptures teach us, “Truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come” (Doctrine and Covenants 93:24).
The knowledge of the truth does not make us better than other people, but it teaches us what we must do to return to God’s presence.”
I love how Elder Silva words that, knowing the truth doesn’t make us better than others, but if we are wanting to return to our Father in Heaven, we need to embrace His truth.
But how do we know what's true?
God has revealed to us how to learn what’s true. It is through turning to the sources of truth that He has given.
So as Elder Silva says,
“Hold on to the truth, learning from the sources of truth:
- The scriptures (see 2 Nephi 32:3).
- The words of the prophets (see Amos 3:7).
- The Holy Ghost (see John 16:13).”
Here’s how these sources of truth that Elder Silva has mentioned has guided me:
The Scriptures
In moments of great anxiety for the welfare of my kids, the following scriptures have taught me an important lesson about the Savior and how he helps us carry our burdens.
“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, 55:22.”
“…burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, 10:27 (2 Ne. 20:27).”
A time in specific, I was weighted down with how to help my daughter who was struggling with interacting with other kids her own age. I said a heartfelt prayer, asking the Lord to be with me and then I visualized myself giving the Lord my burden.
The weight lifted from my shoulder, and I could clearly see the good that I was doing for my kids, how I have the tools to guide them, how my personal experiences are exactly what I need to connect and understand them, and I gained clarity on how I could move forward.
Before the weight of my burden kept me from clearly seeing what I needed to to move forward, but when I handed it to the Lord, I opened myself up to receive guidance from him.
The Words of the Prophets:
I love general conference; it is a holiday for me! I love that we have the opportunity to receive such specific guidance to what we are going through today. And as long as we keep our minds and hearts to receive, our prayers are answered.
One such time was when I was once again concerned about my kids. I questioned whether I was really doing enough in guiding them to learn for themselves the truthfulness of the Gospel. My answer came as I listened to Sister Joy Jones’ talk about “Essential conversations.”
I listened to these words from her:
“Consider the value of family conversations about the gospel of Jesus Christ, essential conversations, that can invite the Spirit. When we have such conversations with our children, we help them create a foundation, “which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if [they] build they cannot fall.”7 When we strengthen a child, we strengthen the family.
These vital discussions can lead children to:
Understand the doctrine of repentance.
Have faith in Christ, the Son of the living God.
Choose baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost when eight years old.
And pray and “walk uprightly before the Lord.” “
I realized that I needed to make essential conversations a natural part of our home. Through having more of these conversations, our home would become a place where the gospel was discussed, where questions were encouraged, and where my kids could learn for themselves truth.
I began brainstorming ways to create more essential conversations in the home, searching Preach My Gospel, coming up with questions, and then creating a set of conversation cards (Upon Line Conversation Cards) that my kids still, to this day, excitedly grab during dinner.
I am amazed as to how much my kids have learned. I am amazed at the depth of the conversations that we now how around the dinner table and at how my kids feel comfortable with asking their questions, when they’re confused and don’t understand. This has also opened up space for us to talk about some of the more difficult subjects within church doctrine.
The Holy Ghost:
The third source of truth is the Holy Ghost. I am SO thankful for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. He feels me with peace as I hear truth. Through the Holy Ghost I am guided each and every day in knowing how to support my kids in each of their struggles. Through the Holy Ghost I can discern truth and error. And I loved the feeling of enlightenment as I learn more and moer about the gospel of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The world would have you believe that you need to access ALL the information to truly be informed. The truth is, there’s not only tons of false information out there, but even the truth out there is taken out of context, distorting what is real and what is not real. We need these truth sources (scriptures, prophets, and the Holy Ghost) to guide us in discerning what of the information out there is true and not true.
Connect with God each day. He is there. He loves you. He guides you. He is seeking a deeper relationship with you.
It is up to you to connect with him and believe.
Upon Line Conversation Cards
A simple and effective way to build your kids’ testimonies (even if you struggle to balance it all)
