The Armor of God (Part 7: the Word of God)

“and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17)

I find it interesting that all of the previous armor listed seems to be protective in nature. The sword is the only offensive weapon. To me this means that using the word of God should be central to our plan of attack in the fight against sin. A soldier in combat holds his sword tightly; sometimes with both hands. A solder at the ready must also have a tight grip. Likewise, we must hold fast to the word of God throughout all the ups and downs this life has to offer us.

Sword

A sword is a weapon that one uses when face-to-face with the enemy. Projectile weapons, such as arrows or darts, are used from a distance to weaken the defenses. The adversary knows that if he can continually weaken us with his “fiery darts” (1 Nephi 15:24) it can keep us from being as effective in the battle against sin. President James E. Faust taught,

“Who has not heard and felt the enticings of the devil? His voice often sounds so reasonable and his message so easy to justify. It is an enticing, intriguing voice with dulcet tones. It is neither hard nor discordant. No one would listen to Satan’s voice if it sounded harsh or mean. If the devil’s voice were unpleasant, it would not entice people to listen to it….

“However, we need not become paralyzed with fear of Satan’s power. He can have no power over us unless we permit it. He is really a coward, and if we stand firm, he will retreat. The Apostle James counseled: ‘Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you’. He cannot know our thoughts unless we speak them. And Nephi states that ‘he hath no power over the hearts’ of people who are righteous” (link to talk).

To be righteous means fighting whole-heartedly on the Lord’s side. The Lord, Himself, has said over and over again that He “shall fight for [us]” (Exodus 14:14). In Deuteronomy we read, “The Lord your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you” (Deuteronomy 1:30), and again in Nehemiah, “our God shall fight for us” (Nehemiah 4:20). In modern times He has again reiterated,

“For behold, I do not require at their hands to fight the battles of Zion; for, as I said in a former commandment, even so will I fulfil—I will fight your battles” (Doctrine & Covenants 105:14).

The Lord will be our arm as we fight for Him. Elder Robert D. Hales gave further insight into the protecting arm of the Lord when he stated, “In our day, the steadying arm of the Lord reaches us through the ordinances of His holy temples” (link to talk).

When wielding a sword we can only be effective in our own sphere of influence. Our sword will not help someone in a far away land. Our sword, or our influence, can greatly impact the lives of those around us—whether we choose to use it for good or ill.

Spirit

From my limited experience with video games I have learned that haphazardly shooting in any (and all) directions, or flailing a weapon wildly about is not very effective. In fact, I am always one of the first to be killed. Similarly, if we are not familiar, or comfortable, with the word of God we may feel as completely ineffective in our battle against the adversary.

As we put ourselves in situations where we can feel the Spirit we can be tutored by the promptings of the Holy Ghost and thus fine-tune our swords. As we study the word of God it will be “written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart” (2 Corinthians 3:3).

Looking to the example of our Savior we can see how He used His in-depth internalization of the scriptures to counteract temptation. 

In the Gospel of Matthew we read that Jesus went into the wilderness to be with God. There He fasted, prayed, and communed with Him—thus arming Himself with the Spirit of God. Satan came to Him to tempt Him; and did so three times.

“If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread….

“If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone….

“All these things [all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them] will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me” (Matthew 4:3, 6, 8-9).

David O. McKay explains that the three kinds of temptations the Jesus experienced are the same kind that we are faced with in our day: 1) tempted with those things our bodies hunger for; 2) tempted by pride—to prove how great we are; and 3) tempted to do wrong to gain the riches and powers of the world (see Gospel Ideas, p 154-55).

In the first two temptations I find it very telling that the adversary starts with “if thou be the Son of God”. Satan knows full well that Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus knows this too. If we compare this to the story of Moses, we see that Moses “saw God face to face, and he talked with him” (Moses 1:2). During this interchange God says, “thou art my son” (Moses 1:4), and “Moses, my son” (Moses 1:6). When Satan comes afterwards his tactics seem to be the same “Moses, son of man” (Moses 1:12). 

The adversary will try in any way shape or form to make us believe that we are not the literal, spirit children of God. If he can convince us of this he can place a wedge between us and God. Never doubt that you are a child of God. Stand firm in that conviction. 

President Uchtdorf taught of God’s love for us when he said,

“[T]he vast expanse of eternity, the glories and mysteries of infinite space and time are all built for the benefit of ordinary mortals like you and me. Our Heavenly Father created the universe that we might reach our potential as His sons and daughters….

“[W]e are everything to God. While against the backdrop of infinite creation we may appear to be nothing, we have a spark of eternal fire burning within our breast. We have the incomprehensible promise of exaltation—worlds without end—within our grasp. And it is God’s great desire to help us reach it” (link to talk).

We are the reason that God created everything. His love for us surpasses anything that we can imagine. We are imperfect beings interacting with imperfect beings. God is perfect—something that is hard to comprehend, but nonetheless true.

When confronted by the adversary the Savior did not, even for a moment, think to justify Himself to the temptation. He simply responded with, 

“It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God….

“It is written…Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God….

“Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10, emphasis added).

Why, when the Savior had all of His miraculous power at His disposal, did He use words of scriptures against the adversary? Because He knew that,

“the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of body and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12, JST-12e).

The Greek translation of the word “quick” is “living” (see footnote b). Jesus knew the power that flows from the living word of God. The truth that IS the word of God will pierce the hearts of the guilty, and those trying to deceive. I can think of several times when we have been counseled to fill our arsenal with scripture, through memorizing them. Elder Richard G. Scott counseled, 

“I suggest that you memorize scriptures that touch your heart and fill your soul with understanding. When scriptures are used as the Lord has caused them to be recorded, they have intrinsic power that is not communicated when paraphrased. Sometimes when there is a significant need in my life, I review mentally scriptures that have given me strength. There is great solace, direction, and power that flow from the scriptures, especially the words of the Lord” (link to talk). 

He later taught,

“The scriptures provide the strength of authority to our declarations when they are cited correctly. They can become stalwart friends that are not limited by geography or calendar. They are always available when needed. Their use provides a foundation of truth that can be awakened by the Holy Ghost. Learning, pondering, searching, and memorizing scriptures is like filling a filing cabinet with friends, values, and truths that can be called upon anytime, anywhere in the world.

“Great power can come from memorizing scriptures. To memorize a scripture is to forge a new friendship. It is like discovering a new individual who can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort, and be a source of motivation for needed change” (link to talk). 

Elder Gene R. Cook of the Seventy said: 

“I have discovered that many times you don’t fully understand a scripture until you memorize it. And sometimes I have memorized a passage because it seemed important and valuable to me—then afterwards I discovered deeper meanings that I hadn’t even known were there” (Searching the Scriptures: Bringing Power to Your Personal and Family Study, p114).

I am quite positive that this counsel to memorize is to help our minds and hearts be ready to respond with truth when the temptations or challenges come.

In Lehi’s dream about the Tree of Life we are taught that the word of God can be likened to an iron rod (1 Nephi 15:23-24). And, in the Book of Helaman we read, 

“that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked” (Helaman 3:29).

Whosover will. The choice is ours. If we will choose to hold steadfastly to the iron rod, the word of God, we will be able to “divide asunder all the cunning and snares and wiles of the devil”. It is our diligence that makes this happen. Alma teaches,

“[I]t is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to [the Liahona], which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land.

“And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise.

“O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever.

“And now…see that ye look to God and live” (Alma 37:44-47).

The word of God is readily available to us. It is an easy course to follow, but sometimes may seem too easy. We have great access to the scriptures—more than any time before—and we need to be careful not to take them for granted. President Ezra Taft Benson counseled,

“[L]et us not treat lightly the great things we have received from the hand of the Lord! His word is one of the most valuable gifts He has given us. I urge you to recommit yourselves to a study of the scriptures. Immerse yourselves in them daily so you will have the power of the Spirit to attend you” (link to talk).

The Word of God

When I think of the word of God there are generally three things that come to mind: the scriptures, the words of the prophets, and personal revelation.

SCRIPTURES

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we embrace the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, as canonized scripture. In the Doctrine and Covenants we are taught that “the Book of Mormon…contains the truth and the word of God” (Doctrine & Covenants 19:26). Our Articles of Faith states, “We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God” (Article of Faith 1:8).

PROPHET

In the first section of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord is speaking—delivering His preface to “the doctrines, covenants, and commandments given in this dispensation” (heading to Section 1). He declares, 

“What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (Doctrine & Covenants 1:38).

Elder Bruce R. McConkie taught, 

“The Lord and His prophets are one. They are united in the same mind and in the same judgement. Light and truth and righteousness come from God and are revealed and bestowed by Him upon chosen servants, who wear the prophetic mantle” (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, p1).

PERSONAL REVELATION

“Revelation is communication from God to His children. Prophets…are not the only people who can receive revelation. According to our faithfulness, we can receive revelation to help us with our specific personal needs, responsibilities, and questions and to help us strengthen our testimony….[M]ost revelations to leaders and members of the Church come through the whisperings of the Holy Ghost.

“Quiet spiritual promptings may not seem as spectacular as visions or angelic visitations, but they are just as powerful and lasting and life changing. The witness of the Holy Ghost makes an impression on the soul that is more significant than anything we can see or hear. Through such revelations, we will receive lasting strength to stay true to the gospel and help others do the same” (link to topic).

We can increase in understanding the revelation we receive and can know the will of the Lord in our own life and our unique circumstances. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught,

“A person may profit by noticing the first intimation of the spirit of revelation; for instance, when you feel pure intelligence flowing into you, it may give you sudden strokes of ideas, so that by noticing it, you may find it fulfilled the same day or soon; … those things that were presented unto your minds by the Spirit of God, will come to pass; and thus by learning the Spirit of God and understanding it, you may grow into the principle of revelation” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p151). 

President Boyd K. Packer also taught this about receiving revelation.

“There are two parts to your nature—your temporal body born of mortal parents, and your immortal spirit within. You are a son or daughter of God.

“Physically you can see with eyes and hear with ears and touch and feel and learn. Through your intellect, you learn most of what you know about the world in which we live.

“But if you learn by reason only, you will never understand the Spirit and how it works—regardless of how much you learn about other things….

“Your spirit learns in a different way than does your intellect….

“You have your agency, and inspiration does not—perhaps cannot—flow unless you ask for it, or someone asks for you.

“No message in scripture is repeated more often than the invitation, even the command, to pray—to ask.

“Prayer is so essential a part of revelation that without it the veil may remain closed to you. Learn to pray. Pray often. Pray in your mind, in your heart. Pray on your knees….

“The flow of revelation depends on your faith. You exercise faith by causing, or by making, your mind accept or believe as truth that which you cannot, by reason alone, prove for certainty” (link to talk).

One thing we can receive by revelation is a testimony, or a spiritual witness of truth. It is given to us by the Holy Ghost, and can only be received through this channel. It comes as we have the faith to put forth the effort to prepare. 

As we arm ourselves with the word of God by searching the scriptures, listening to the words of the prophet, and responding to the personal revelation we receive—in times of peace and in times of trial—we can fortify ourselves against the attacks of the enemy. With this conviction in our hearts the sword of the Spirit will be strong and immoveable in our hand.

The Armor of God (Part 2: Truth)

with truth, 

We live in a world with mixed messages in the media, politics, and differing opinions on anything and everything we can imagine. It may often feel overwhelming to really find and discern where to find the truth. Through studying I have found instruction on where we can find truth and the protection it can provide.

HONESTY:

Truth can be defined as honesty. Straight and simple; be honest. In the 13^th Article of Faith it proclaims, “[w]e believe in being honest” (Article of Faith 1:13). In Exodus we read, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour” (Exodus 20:16). To bear a false witness is to say something that is not true, or to falsely stand for something that is not right. Our neighbor can be defined as anyone we interact with.

When the resurrected Jesus Christ appears to the Nephites He gave them a new law (see 3 Nephi 12): rather than simply refraining from wrong actions or words, His new law requires a greater commitment from them—to control their thoughts. This law of the Lord also applies in our day.

President Ezra Taft Benson said the following.

“Thoughts lead to acts, acts lead to habits, habits lead to character—and our character will determine our eternal destiny” (link to article).

More than just being honest in the things we do and say, we need to be honest (and in control of) our thoughts. In the Book of Mosiah, King Benjamin also counsels us on the importance of controlling thoughts,

“But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not” (Mosiah 4:30, emphasis added).

As we obey this law of the Lord it is not just our outward self that is being refined; it is a purification of our inner self as well. Being honest in our actions, speech, and thoughts helps to build our character. Through our honesty we can be protected from many undesirable consequences that result from dishonest acts. We can also be protected from the guilt and mental anguish that come when we try to hide the truth.

In the scriptures there are many examples of stalwart people. I want to point out a group of exemplary young men; Helaman’s stripling warriors. They are described as follows:

“And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.

"Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him” (Alma 53:20-21, emphasis added).

The parents of these boys had once been a bloodthirsty people but once converted to the truth they never went astray. The result of their complete conversion can be seen in their young sons. Their sons were strictly obedient to the commandments of God. Through their obedience, and their faith—for they knew the Lord would deliver them out of whatever difficulty they faced (see Alma 56:47)—this inexperienced group of young men fought against a very experienced Lamanite army and “not one soul of them” (Alma 56:56) fell to the earth.

As we follow their example by being true in all things (in word, action, and thought), being obedient to the truth, and having our faith centered in the Lord, Jesus Christ, we will be protected. And not one soul of us will fall away.

SEEKING FOR TRUTH:

We, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have been directed to search for knowledge. Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis gives three ways that we can learn the truth for ourselves.

“First, we can know the truth by observing its fruits….

"Second, we can find truth by experimenting on the word ourselves….

"However, there is yet a third way to know the truth, and that is by personal revelation” (link to talk).

The Lord does not tell us that we have to believe what the missionaries, the bishop, the Gospel Doctrine teacher, our friends, family, or what any one else tells us about the truth of this gospel. He counsels us to “study it out in [our] mind; then [we] must ask [Him] if it be right, and if it is right [He] will cause that [our bosoms] shall burn within [us]; therefore, [we] shall feel that it is right” (Doctrine & Covenants 9:8). Study it out yourself, and then go straight to the source. Ask God.

The Prophet Joseph Smith followed this counsel and found out for himself that this gospel is true. We can do the same. As we come to know the truth for ourselves we can become stronger and stronger in our conviction of living the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Elder Aidukaitis said, “God will reveal truth to those who seek for it as prescribed in the scriptures” (link to talk). In the Book of James we read the instruction,

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering” (James 1:5-6).

In the Book of Mormon we have another witness of finding the Lord’s unfailing guide to know truth.

“And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

“And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things” (Moroni 10:4-5, emphasis added).

Paul, speaking to the Corinthians, also stated the need for a witness of the Holy Ghost when he said, “no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost” (1 Corintians 12:3).

When one receives a witness by the convincing power of the Holy Ghost it is one that cannot be denied or doubted. President Joseph Fielding Smith explained,

 “When a man has the manifestation from the Holy Ghost, it leaves an indelible impression on his soul, one that is not easily erased. It is Spirit speaking to spirit, and it comes with convincing force. A manifestation of an angel, or even of the Son of God himself, would impress the eye and mind, and eventually become dimmed, but the impressions of the Holy Ghost sink deeper into the soul and are more difficult to erase” (Answers to Gospel Questions, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., 5 vols. [1957–66], 2:151).

Elder Dallin H. Oaks also quoted Joseph Fielding Smith when he said,

“President Joseph Fielding Smith taught: 'The Spirit of God speaking to the spirit of man has power to impart truth with greater effect and understanding than the truth can be imparted by personal contact even with heavenly beings. Through the Holy Ghost the truth is woven into the very fibre and sinews of the body so that it cannot be forgotten' (link to talk).

To receive our own witness of the Holy Ghost about the truth will take faith and effort. We can “experiment on the word” (Alma 32:27) by reading the scriptures, ask God if it is true, and gain a testimony for themselves. Those who follow this pattern can be armed with the power of truth.

IRON ROD OF TRUTH:

Where do we go to find truth? We look for the words of the Lord. For God, our Father, is “a God of truth, and [can] not lie” (Ether 3:12). The words of God can be found in the scriptures.

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we have four books of scripture known as the Standard Works: the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price, and the Doctrine and Covenants. We have been admonished to study all of these words of scripture, but a particular emphasis has been placed on reading the Book of Mormon. As we read the scriptures we can liken the messages to our own lives and circumstances.

In the Book of Mormon we read about the prophet Lehi having an amazing dream—one that is very applicable to our day. In one part of his dream it mentions a rod of iron. Nephi recorded this about his father’s dream, “And I beheld a rod of iron, and it extended along the bank of the river, and led to the tree by which I stood” (1 Nephi 8:19).

Nephi later sees the dream for himself and finds out the interpretation from an angel of the Lord. “And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron, which my father had seen, was the word of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life” (1 Nephi 11:25, emphasis added).

The iron rod is the word of God. Nephi testified to his brothers about the critical nature of listening to and obeying the word of God when he said,

“and whoso would hearken until the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction” (1 Nephi 15:24).

What protection! By hearkening to the word of God we can be shielded from the blinding power of temptation--not just reading the words, but doing what they say.

In the October 2011 Ensign Elder David A. Bednar goes into greater depth, and speaks of differing levels of protection the iron rod provided to several groups of people in Lehi’s dream (determined by their actions). The first group can be found in 1 Nephi 8:21-23. They started on the strait and narrow path but were thrown off by the mists of darkness, which represent the temptations of the adversary. Elder Bednar commented,

“Notice that no mention is made in these verses of the rod of iron. Those who ignore or treat lightly the word of God do not have access to that divine compass which points the way to the Savior. Consider that this group obtained the path and pressed forward, exhibiting a measure of faith in Christ and spiritual conviction, but they were diverted by the temptations of the devil and were lost” (link to article).

If we do not protect ourselves by daily searching from the iron rod of truth, we can be easily led away into temptation. This is where the adversary may try to persuade us that if we miss one day of reading the scriptures we will be okay.

If we liken this to our lives we can compare studying the word of God to eating spiritual food. Would you be okay to miss one day of physical food without noticing it a little? Would you be as physically strong and mentally acute? What about missing two days, or a week, or a month? The compounding effect of lacking spiritual sustenance may be less noticeable but is as incredibly vital as the lack of physical nourishment. I know some people who read their scriptures while they eat, because they know they will always remember to eat!

Elder Bendar continues with a second group (found in 1 Nephi 8:24-28) who are “clinging to the rod of iron”. They arrive at the tree of life, are mocked by those in the great and spacious building (representing the pride of the world), feel ashamed, and fall away. He continues,

“Even with faith, commitment, and the word of God, this [second] group eventually was lost—perhaps because they only periodically read or studied or searched the scriptures. Clinging to the rod of iron suggests to me only occasional ‘bursts’ of study or irregular dipping rather than consistent, ongoing immersion in the word of God.

“In [1 Nephi 8:30] we read about a third group of people who pressed forward ‘continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.’…

“The third group also pressed forward with faith and conviction; however, there is no indication that they wandered off, fell into forbidden paths, or were lost. Perhaps this third group of people consistently read and studied and searched the scriptures…. This is the group you and I should strive to join” (link to article).

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland also spoke of Lehi’s dream.

“In Lehi’s dream an already difficult journey gets more difficult when a mist of darkness arises, obscuring any view of the safe but narrow path his family and others are to follow. It is imperative to note that this mist of darkness descends on all the travelers—the faithful and the determined ones…as well as the weaker and ungrounded ones. The principal point of the story is that the successful travelers resist all distractions, including the lure of forbidden paths and jeering taunts from the vain and proud who have taken those paths. The record says that the protected ‘did press their way forward, continually [and, I might add, tenaciously] holding fast’ to a rod of iron that runs unfailingly along the course of the true path. However dark the night or the day, the rod marks the way of that solitary, redeeming trail” (link to talk).

Holding to the rod of iron may seem difficult at times but we must continually hold fast—especially now. These days in which we are living have been prophesied about and are perilous. It is imperative that we arm ourselves against the power of the adversary. With the power of the adversary and the power of the Lord both on the earth there will be a significant pull from both sides.

We can obtain guidance from Lehi’s dream, as Nephi explained,

“And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building [representing the pride of the world]. And after they did enter into that building they did point the finger of scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we heeded them not.

“These are the words of my father: For as many as heeded them, had fallen away” (1 Nephi 8:33-34).

If we focus on the Lord we can be guided by Him. If we look to the world for guidance, we will end up somewhere we don't want to be. Elder Holland states,

“The Savior warned that in the last days even those of the covenant, the very elect, could be deceived by the enemy of truth. If we think of this as a form of spiritual destruction, it may cast light on another latter-day prophecy. Think of the heart as the figurative center of our faith, the poetic location of our loyalties and our values; then consider Jesus’s declaration that in the last days ‘men’s hearts [shall fail] them’” (link to talk).

What can we do to protect ourselves against this awful plight? I love Elder Holland's words of instruction.

“Brothers and sisters, God always provides safety for the soul, and with the Book of Mormon, He has again done that in our time. Remember this declaration by Jesus Himself: ‘Whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived’—and in the last days neither your heart nor your faith will fail you” (link to talk).

Don the armor, and protection, of truth by reading from the word of God every single day.

JESUS CHRIST IS TRUTH:

I found one thing that I wasn’t expecting when studying about arming ourselves with truth. I found it in the gospel of John where it says, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). I realized that Jesus is also truth.

As I thought about it I realized that when we take the name of the Lord upon us we arm ourselves with truth. Each week we can renew our baptismal covenants, and take His name upon us, as we worthily partake of the sacrament. The promised blessing is that, “[we] may always have his Spirit to be with [us]” (Doctrine & Covenants 20:77).

As we remain worthy to partake of the sacrament each week, and take His name upon us, we can be blessed with His armor of truth.

TRUTH IS FREEDOM:

I want to start with a quote from Elder Quentin L. Cook about types of bondage.

“God intended that men and women would be free to make choices between good and evil. When evil choices become the dominant characteristic of a culture or nation, there are serious consequences both in this life and the life to come. People can become enslaved or put themselves in bondage not only to harmful, addictive substances but also to harmful, addictive philosophies that detract from righteous living.

“Turning from the worship of the true and living God and worshipping false gods like wealth and fame and engaging in immoral and unrighteous conduct result in bondage in all its insidious manifestations. These include spiritual, physical, and intellectual bondage and sometimes bring destruction” (link to talk).

In the Book of Mormon the prophet, King Benjamin, speaks of the tendencies of man and their innate nature to be in opposition to God. He also shares the way to free ourselves; “[yield] to the enticings of the Holy Spirit” or the whisperings of the truth. He also explains that this freedom can only come “through the atonement of Christ the Lord” (Mosiah 3:19).

How do we overcome the natural man and free ourselves from the bondage of sin? Jesus said to those who believe on Him, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). Jesus was free from the chains of Satan because He knew the truth and lived it. We have that same promise.

Elder N. Eldon Tanner said,

“Freedom is based on truth, and no man is completely free as long as any part of his belief is based on error, for the chains of error bind his mind. This is why it is so important for us to learn all the truth we can from all the sources we can. We need particularly to search the scriptures, for in them are the words which, if accepted and lived, will lead us to eternal life” (link to talk).

As we study the scriptures we can know the truth for ourselves. As we act in the truth that we have received our testimonies will grow. President Thomas S. Monson stated,

“We face many serious challenges in the world today, but I assure you that our Heavenly Father is mindful of us. He will guide and bless us as we put our faith and trust in Him and will see us through whatever difficulties come our way….

"May we constantly nourish our testimonies of the gospel, that they will be a protection for us against the buffetings of the adversary” (link to talk).

As we are honest in our efforts to act in our knowledge of the truth we can have confidence that we are on the path that the Lord has prescribed. As we read the scriptures we can build our lives firmly upon the gospel of Jesus Christ. We can gain strength from the Atonement of Jesus Christ as we take His name upon us each week. As we arm ourselves with truth, and have faith in the promises of the Lord, we will find,

“...that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall” (Helaman 5:12).