Heavenly Father desires
that we find true, lasting happiness. Our happiness is the
design of all the blessings He gives us—gospel teachings,
commandments, priesthood ordinances, family relationships,
prophets, temples, the beauties of creation, and even the
opportunity to experience adversity. His plan for our
salvation is often called "the great plan of happiness"
(Alma 42:8). He
sent His Beloved Son to carry out the Atonement so we can be happy in this
life and receive a fulness of joy in the eternities.
Testifying of God's
"eternal purposes," the prophet Lehi taught, "Men are, that
they might have joy" (2 Nephi
2:15, 25). Many people try to find happiness
and fulfillment in activities that are contrary to the
Lord's commandments. Ignoring God's plan for them, they
reject the only source of real happiness. They give in to
the devil, who "seeketh that all men might be miserable like
unto himself" (2 Nephi
2:27). Eventually they learn the truth of Alma's
warning to his son Corianton: "Wickedness never was
happiness" (Alma
41:10).
Others seek only to
have fun in life. With this as their main goal, they allow
temporary pleasure to distract them from lasting happiness.
They rob themselves of the enduring joys of spiritual
growth, service, and hard work.
As we seek to be happy,
we should remember that the only way to real happiness is to
live the gospel. We
will find peaceful, eternal happiness as we strive to keep
the commandments, pray for strength, repent of our sins,
participate in wholesome activities, and give meaningful
service.
See also Missionary Work; Plan of Salvation;
Service
—See True to the Faith (2004), 79–80
