It’s kind of crazy how sometimes this scriptural-sounding phrase comes into my mind which I dwell on for days, but then when I look it up in the scriptures it’s not there. Such was the case with this phrase, that we should be armed with truth and righteousness. I found four references to “truth and righteousness,” but the armed part seems to be original with recent personal revelation.

To be armed with truth and righteousness is a truly powerful combination. I have been learning just a little about this. Recently, I have been spending lots of time reading my book, Greatest Sermons from the Book of Mormon, a compilation of the best doctrinal chapters from the Book of Mormon. These are hard-hitting, repentance preaching, faith-promoting chapters. I have been reading, highlighting, and pondering their messages. And I have been discussing them with my family. Hence, the being armed with truth bit.

Being armed with righteousness is another matter. To be armed with righteousness is be one who has repented, has faith in Jesus Christ, and to be truly living the best one knows how in obedience to the commandments, with faith in Jesus Christ. I have been doing this. As I have gained momentum with this way of living, I am beginning to feel confidence with credentialed faith in sharing the truth I am learning.

It is somewhat amusing to see my wife’s reaction. She can see something is different. She can sense something is different. She understands that what I am teaching is a deviation from what she has been taught, but she cannot refute the plain and simple teachings referenced from the Book of Mormon.

This evening we read the Book of Enos. I really enjoyed explaining to my family what these scriptures mean, and then cross-referencing them with 2 Nephi 9, showing the timeline in reference to the fulfillment of the promises of the Lord to Enos, and bringing things around in context of living the gospel today.

Also, this morning I went on a long walk with my youngest son, Ephraim. On that occasion I also took the opportunity to teach the pure doctrine of Christ, and to contrast that with what the churches are teaching. It was fun to hear his perspectives. He is currently the president of the Deacon’s quorum in our ward. He asked about what the priesthood was for. I explained that the priesthood is a call to teach by the Holy Spirit. We need to repent and have faith in Jesus Christ in order to have the holiness and inspiration to teach the gospel in a worthy and correct manner. I encouraged him to find opportunities to teach faith and repentance throughout his life.

Learning to teach the gospel, whilst being armed with truth and righteousness, is the calling of priesthood. You can learn more about this in Alma 13 and D&C 50.