Is it true?

One of our children used to ask, "Is it true?" when she wanted to tattle on her sibling, but not seem like she was tattling. She'd say, "Is it true that we can eat in the living room?" "Is it true that we don't have to do the dishes right after dinner?" "Is it true that we can watch TV downstairs?" After telling her she couldn't say that anymore, we haven't heard it in our home. This year, however, I want to hear it in our home a lot. I want my children to experiment on the word of God as Alma teaches in Alma 32. I want my children to know for themselves that the gospel is true and to test the principles.

In Alma 32, Alma says that we can compare the word to a seed. We need to plant that seed or the concept, nourish it, let the word take root, pluck the fruit, feast upon the fruit, and reap the rewards of our faith. How do we know if the word is true? How do we know for example that keeping the Sabbath Day holy is a true principle? We decide to try the word. We do activities on Sunday that bring us closer to Christ. Then we ask ourselves, do I feel better, do I feel closer to Christ when I keep the Sabbath Day holy? What are the fruits, the results of keeping the Sabbath Day holy? Moroni says, "But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God" (Moroni 7:13). After experimenting or trying a principle of the gospel, we also need to pray to God to see if that principle is true. "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).

My children don't have to rely on my testimony to know if the gospel is true. I don't have to rely on my parents' testimonies. Each of us can find out for ourselves by living a principle, praying about the principle, and looking for evidence that the principle is true.

A few principles that I've thought of that I want my children to know are:
Heavenly Father is real and He is my father in heaven.
Jesus Christ is real and He atoned for me.
Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
The scriptures are the word of God.
The Book of Mormon contains the truthfulness of the gospel.
Family history helps me and my ancestors.
Going to the temple brings me closer to God.
Living prophets and apostles teach us what we need today.
Marriage is between a man and a woman.
Families are ordained of God.
When I serve others I'm happier.
When I use my time wisely, I'm happier.
When I take care of my body by eating healthy and exercising, I am happier.
When I keep the Sabbath Day holy, I'm happier.
​
I know that keeping the commandments helps me to be happier. I want my children to know that too. I want them to be able to say, "It is true."