Choose Eternal Life

Lehi teaches his family the Plan of Salvation, and gives a powerful testimony of agency and the importance of choosing to follow the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I think 2 Nephi 2:27 is powerful as it clearly illustrates the destination we will attain depending on our use of agency. Lehi says:

Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.

After describing this choice to his sons, he exhorts them to "look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words." Then with the pleadings of a loving parent who knows he will soon pass away, Lehi says, "choose eternal life." 

It's true that this may seem overly simplistic. We don't just decide, "I'm going to choose eternal life," and then we're set. But along with this simple plea, he does provide instruction for accomplishing this important goal. He points his sons to the Savior, Jesus Christ, and he exhorts them to obey the commandments. This reminds me of the third article of faith: We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

Turn to Christ and obey His commandments. Choose Eternal Life!

Remember the New Covenant, Even the Book of Mormon

Scripture Chain: What the Doctrine and Covenants Teaches about the Book of Mormon

D&C 1:29 Takeaway: This book was TRANSLATED by the power of God. Not a religious book written by a modern day church leader. Not an ancient book translated by linguists. This was translated by God's power, so the translation is perfect.	D&C 20:8–15 Takeaway: The words of the Book of Mormon were given to prophets through inspiration of God. As we read these words, they are confirmed to us by the same power, here described as the "ministering of angels." The Spirit not only proves to our hearts that the Book of Mormon is true, but it also proves to our hearts that Joseph Smith (translator) was a prophet of God, inspired by God and called to his holy work in this dispensation. God never changes and has always spoken to his people through living prophets as well as scripture - why wouldn't he do so now? This book that we've been given will witness for our against us at the judgment day, so receive it with faith and work righteousness so that you can receive your celestial crown!
D&C 3:18–20 Takeaway: Another purpose of the Book of Mormon is to convert the descendants of the Lamanites, who are the house of Manasseh. I believe this can be applied to all those throughout the world that are yet to have His true gospel.	D&C 33:16 Takeaway: One of the purposes of the book is to be instructed by God through reading it. Not just by the words that are written by but the Spirit which instructs.
D&C 17:6 Takeaway: Testimony from God that the Book of Mormon is true. Also alludes to the fact that some of the book has yet to be translated. More to come!	D&C 42:12 Takeaway: The Book of Mormon with the Bible contains the FULNESS of the gospel, so it should be used in our teaching.
D&C 19:26–27 Takeaway: Martin Harris isn't the only one that should sacrifice for the Book of Mormon. Our sacrifice will not likely be financial, but we should dedicate our time to studying it.	D&C 84:54–58 Takeaway: Vanity and unbelief have resulted from treating lightly the Book of Mormon (not studying it). If we are not willing to receive the word of God as he gives it to us, it will be to our own condemnation.

So why is reading the Book of Mormon so important? To list a few reasons:
(1) It strengthens our faith and testimony because of the Spirit we feel
(2) It allows us to be taught by God (both through the text and the Spirit)
(3) It was inspired by God for us
(4) It will help us achieve our goal of Eternal Life for it contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
(5) God wants us to read it (in large part for the reasons mentioned)

Balancing Family and Career

This is an interesting dilemma faced by millions of the world's working men and women. Jesus Christ gave some great instruction that can be prayerfully applied to this dilemma. It's found in the New Testament and also in the Book of Mormon. In fact, it is one of the first things the Savior taught to the Nephites when he visited them after his resurrection. I'm referring to his teachings in 3 Nephi 13.

Jesus taught:

"19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and thieves break through and steal;
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." 3 Nephi 13:19-21

What do you treasure? For what treasure do you pursue your career? Is it something that can be corrupted or stolen? Or is your treasure of an eternal nature? Remember that status, riches, fame, and everything the world offers is just temporary while our families can be together eternally (see http://mormon.org/family). Wherever you place your treasure, or whatever you value most, that's where your heart will be. From personal experience, the greatest happiness and peace comes from putting God and family first.

"24 No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and Mammon." 3 Nephi 13:24

Who is your master? Who do you chose to serve? I have a feeling this question can be answered by how you spend your time and resources. Serving God and making him your master will place your family at the forefront of your life. Other master's are not so generous.

Jesus talks about the lilies and the birds and how they are provided for without worrying. His point is not that we shouldn't need to work, but rather that we should do the best we can, and he will provide for us (3 Nephi 13:25-32). Too many people fear that they will suffer financial hardships if they do not have their career as top priority. The opposite is true- when you put God and family first, your career improves (as does every other aspect of your life).

Remember: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you" (3 Nephi 13:34). As I said before, put God and family first and the rest will fall into place. That's a promise from God.

Finding Peace and Joy

What does the Book of Mormon teach us about how we can find peace and joy in our lives? I'm going to study some of the words of the prophet and king, Benjamin in Mosiah 2 and Mosiah 4.

King Benjamin taught his people "to keep the commandments of God, that they might rejoice and be filled with love towards God and all men" (Mosiah 2:4). This shows the connection between obedience to God's commandments and joy (rejoicing). Remember the greatest commandments, according to Jesus Christ, are to love God and to love our fellow-man. This creates an interesting cycle: we must love God and all men to keep the commandments, and keeping the commandments will fill us "with love towards God and all men." We here a lot about sin and pride cycles, so it's refreshing to see a righteousness and love cycle where the more obedient we are the more we'll love God and others, and the more our love increases, the more obedient we will become. That's a joyful cycle that will lead us to become more like our perfect exemplar, the Savior.

King Benjamin tells his people, "as ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have tasted of his love, and have received a remission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls" (Mosiah 4:11). So what caused the "exceedingly great joy" in their souls? Coming to know God, knowing His goodness, tasting of his love, receiving forgiveness (repenting) of our sins. That is an inspired recipe for "exceedingly great joy."

He then gives his people another formula for joy and peace in Mosiah 4:11-13. To summarize:
If

• We remember the greatness and goodness of God and his patience towards us
• We humble ourselves into the "depths of humility"
• Pray daily to God
• Stand steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come

Then

• We shall always rejoice,
• Be filled with the love of God
• Be forgiven of our sins
• Grow in the knowledge of the glory of God and that which is just and true
• We will not injure one another
• We will live peaceably
• We shall treat everyone fairly

In connection with this if/then promise, King Benjamin tells parents to provide for their children, teach them to keep the commandments, not quarrel, and not worship/follow Satan. Parents should "teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another" (Mosiah 4:14-15).

This verse is one of my favorite scriptures and powerful wisdom shared by Benjamin:

"And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it." (Mosiah 2:41)  

Those who obey God's commandments are blessed and happy; in fact, they are "blessed in all things." If they endure to the end faithfully, then they receive a state of never-ending happiness. Who in this world does not desire happiness in this life and in the life to come? The way to achieve it is obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Find out more about God's plan of happiness here: http://mormon.org/plan-of-happiness/.

What Is the Purpose of Life?

This is a big question that most people have at some point in their life: What is the purpose of life? I'm going to study the words that Amulek taught in the Book of Mormon in Alma 34 to see what can be learned about the purpose of life.

First we must realize that because of the fall of Adam and Eve, all mankind is in a fallen and lost state. We commit sin and not one of us can avoid that. In this fallen state we are unable to return to God's presence, which is why we are "lost." For this reason, God has lovingly provided a way to overcome our fallen state. He provided a Savior for us, who of course is Jesus Christ. His perfect atonement (sacrifice for us) allows us to become clean and perfected in him if we follow his gospel by having faith in Him, repenting, and being baptized (Alma 34:8-15). So I guess we can classify that as one purpose for us during this life: follow Christ's gospel so we can return to God and be saved.

To put this one more way, in terms of mercy and justice, the atonement provides mercy, which can "satisfy the demands of justice." So, "he that exercises no faith unto repentance is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice; therefore only unto him that has faith unto repentance is brought about the great and eternal plan of redemption" (Alma 34:16).

Where do we start? Amulek says, "cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save. Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him" (Alma 34:18-19). The first step is to pray to God in humility asking for his help and his mercy. I'd even suggest meeting with missionaries; in fact, Amulek was a missionary when he taught this lesson! Click here to contact the missionaries in your area.

Amulek gives a big warning to the people he teaches. He tells them: "If ye turn away the needy, and the naked, and visit not the sick and afflicted, and import of your substance, if ye have, to those who stand in need- I say unto you, if ye do not any of these things, behold, your prayer is vain and availeth you nothing..."(Alma 34:28). So more is required of us than just faith and repentance, we must use our means in this life to help those less fortunate than ourselves.

The next point Amulek makes is also with very strong language that I won't paraphrase because that would only take away from it. He warns us against procrastinating our day of repentance:

"32 For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.
33 And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed.
34 Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world.
35 For behold, if ye have procrastinated the day of your repentance even until death, behold, ye have become subjected to the spirit of the devil, and he doth seal you his; therefore, the Spirit of the Lord hath withdrawn from you, and hath no place in you, and the devil hath all power over you; and this is the final state of the wicked." (Alma 34:32-35)

Some more counsel on how to live our lives to fulfill our purpose here (Alma 34:38-40):

• "Humble yourself"
• "Take upon you the name of Christ" (you do this through repentance and baptism)
• "Worship God," regardless of where you are
• "Live in thanksgiving daily"
• "Be watchful unto prayer continually, that ye may not be led away by the temptations of the devil"
• "Bear with all manner of afflictions" (patiently endure trials)

What Does Jesus Expect of Me?

To answer this question, I'll reference the words of the prophet Jacob, son of Lehi, in 2 Nephi 9 in the Book of Mormon.

In order for me to be able to "inherit the kingdom of God" and have my "joy be full forever," I need to have faith in Jesus Christ and "endure the crosses of the world" (2 Ne 9:18). I believe that enduring the crosses of the world means living a righteous and virtuous life even in a world that doesn't respect that lifestyle. Persecution and discrimination are inevitable for those who follow Christ, so I must be willing to do what it takes and have the faith necessary to live my beliefs.

Jesus expects all men to have faith, repent, and be baptized (2 Ne 9:23) so they can be saved in the kingdom of God. We should also keep the commandments of God and not waste our time here on earth (2 Ne 9:27). Remember that to be carnally-minded is death and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal (2 Ne 9:39).

Jacob invites, "O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One" (2 Ne 9:41). The Lord expects me to come unto him. The way to come unto the Lord is through faith, repentance, and baptism. It requires keeping His commandments and living the best I can. I must also prepare myself for judgment day:

"46 Prepare your souls for that glorious day when justice shall be administered unto the righteous, even the day of judgment, that ye may not shrink with awful fear; that ye may not remember your awful guilt in perfectness, and be constrained to exclaim: Holy, holy are thy judgments, O Lord God Almighty—but I know my guilt; I transgressed thy law, and my transgressions are mine; and the devil hath obtained me, that I am a prey to his awful misery." (2 Ne 9:46) 

He also expects us to have our priorities straight. Do our decisions about time and money bring us closer to Him and to the happiness that we seek? Jacob counsels:

"51 Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness." (2 Ne 9:51, emphasis added)

Lastly, I learn from this chapter in the Book of Mormon that Jesus expects me to have a cheerful heart and an attitude of gratitude: "Behold, my beloved brethren, remember the words of your God; pray unto him continually by day, and give thanks unto his holy name by night. Let your hearts rejoice" (2 Ne 9:52).

How the Bible and the Book of Mormon are Testaments of Jesus Christ

Much of the Christian world believes in the Old Testament and the New Testament. These books, or collections of books, are testaments of the Savior of the World, Jesus Christ. In this dispensation (the last days) we've been blessed with another testament of Jesus Christ, The Book of Mormon. Both books are written by prophets and apostles who were called of God to preach and write his doctrine. In both cases the doctrine centers around Jesus Christ and his gospel plan through which salvation can be obtained.

In the Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 29 explains really well the purpose of having the Bible and the Book of Mormon as two witnesses of Christ. Verse 8 says:

"Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also." 2 Nephi 29:8

This passage in 2 Nephi explains that God remembers all his people wherever in the world they may be. He speaks to them and commands them to write His words. We should not complain about receiving more of His word as it is another testimony of Him.

In the New Testament, Paul declares, "To [Jesus Christ] give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." He clearly teaches that God calls prophets to witness of Jesus Christ. This is the purpose of scripture, both the Bible and Book of Mormon. Anyone who has a problem with God giving us another witness of Jesus Christ is in danger of rejecting his holy prophets who speak His word.

What does this mean for you!?
This means that you have another testament of Jesus Christ to help you draw closer to God and learn his gospel plan for you. The Book of Mormon has helped me grow so much closer to God; in fact, the book has changed my life and helped me become who I am today. It can help you as well- I know it can. Put it to the test- request a free copy of the Book of Mormon by visiting http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/.

Salvation and the Fourth Article of Faith

The fourth Article of Faith states:

"We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Articles of Faith 1:4

This statement teaches us some basic things about salvation and how it is achieved. There are many people in the world that believe that God has preselected a group of people on this earth to receive salvation and that the rest of us are out of luck unless we are part of that group. What a false, sad doctrine that is! God loves us as our Father and wants ALL of us to return to him. However, he will not force us to be obedient to his commandments and live in such a way that will qualify us for the blessing of returning to him because he has given us agency to choose for ourselves.

God has given us his gospel with steps that we should follow to prove ourselves to him and qualify for his greatest gift, that of eternal life. The first principles and ordinances of the gospel are the first steps in following the path that God has prepared for us to return to him. Not only are they inspired of God, but they also make sense logically.

Faith
First we must have faith in him. We must believe and more importantly do. Faith is an action word that implies that we will not only believe but do as the Lord wants us to.

Repentance
As we begin to have faith in God and in his son, Jesus Christ, we will naturally change to be better. We will want to make changes to leave our old lives behind and start fresh. We will ask God for his forgiveness and as we do this, repenting, he will forgive us.

Baptism
We show our repentance and change of heart through the ordinance of baptism. When we are baptized, we promise to follow Jesus Christ and his teachings. We come out of the baptismal waters clean just as we were when we were born. Baptism opens the door to salvation but does not guarantee salvation.

The Gift of the Holy Ghost
There is a second part of baptism. After we are baptized with water, we must be baptized with fire, or the Holy Ghost. This ordinance is performed soon after baptism. The gift of the Holy Ghost is given by the laying on of hands by someone who has the priesthood authority. It is important to note that the Gift of the Holy Ghost does not just come upon baptized members of the Church automatically. It must be given by the laying on of hands as recorded in the New Testament in Acts 8:16-18.

Of course following these steps, the first principles and ordinances of the gospel will not guarantee salvation, but as I mentioned, these are the first steps that we must take. After we have completed these steps, we have begun on the path that will lead us to eternal life if we press on, enduring to the end. One of my favorite scriptures that talks about this responsibility is found in 2 Nephi 31:20, which reads:

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."

Parable of the Tares

We talked about Jesus's parable of the tares today in Sunday School, and it really got me thinking. This parable is a lot more relevant in our lives today than I had previously thought. Here is the parable:

24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
Matthew 13:24-30

To make it a little easier, we also have Jesus's explanation later in this same chapter. Let me quote that below, and then I'll talk a little bit about it:

36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.
37 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;
38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.
41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Matthew 13:36-43

This is an interesting parable because it begins at the time of Jesus Christ, and the end is in the last days and has not yet occurred. So Jesus planted the good seed as he started his Church and soon thereafter it fell into apostacy as the tares began to grow.

The servants in the parable wanted to gather up the tares to protect the wheat. However the wheat was young (just as the Church in the Christ's time was young) and would be damaged greatly by the gathering of the tares. This is because tares and wheat are related crops. They look nearly identical as they grow, so it is hard to distinguish between them. It is not until they are ready for the harvest that they can be told apart. At this point you can cut them all down and separate them easily. This separation is a form of judgment that will be passed upon all people.

Are you a wheat or a tare? This question is perfect for self-reflection. I know that this parable prophesies of the future (which may be closer than we think- though no man knows). An interesting comparison, is that it is hard to tell if those around us are wheat or tares. This is why we should not judge others. Just as the Lord told his servants not to judge the wheat/tares and pluck out the tares, we must not judge our fellow men and identify people as "tares". We never know when someone will change and repent. We may have days when we ourselves behave more like tares than wheat, so we must be forgiving of others who also have "tare" days.

Lastly, we know that judgment comes. Even though it will be after the end of the world, if we die a "tare," there will be no time to repent thereafter. Now is the only time that we can repent and become wheat. So let us not judge others for it truly is impossible to see their hearts (only God looketh on the heart), and let us strive to be found as wheat at the last great harvest!

The Resurrection - Will I be resurrected?

One of the big three questions that most everyone asks at some point in their life is "What happens after death?" We wonder if life stops at death, or if it continues eternally. If it continues, what will it be like? Will our mortal actions determine our eternal future?

To be honest, the scriptures are full of answers to these questions. A New Testament verse gives an important insight:

"And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."
John 5:29

John teaches us here that EVERYONE will be resurrected. If we are good, we'll have the resurrection of life, meaning eternal life. If we are evil, we'll have the resurrection of damnation. We will be rewarded according to how we live on this earth.

What is the resurrection?
Simply put, resurrection is the reuniting of the body and spirit. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, was the first to resurrect, breaking the bands of death for all mankind.

The Book of Mormon also teaches this doctrine very clearly:

"Now, behold, I have spoken unto you concerning the death of the mortal body, and also concerning the resurrection of the mortal body. I say unto you that this mortal body is raised to an immortal body, that is from death, even from the first death unto life, that they can die no more; their spirits uniting with their bodies, never to be divided; thus the whole becoming spiritual and immortal, that they can no more see corruption."
Alma 11:45

I wish I had more time to continue examining the scriptural teachings about the resurrection, but here are two other great resources about life after death and resurrection and judgment.

ye have sought for happiness in doing iniquity

Samuel the Lamanite risked his life to be obedient to the Lord in calling the Nephites to repentance. Under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, he tells them that they will be destroyed if they do not repent. About 40 years later, this prophecy is fulfilled with a tremendous destruction among the Nephites when Jesus Christ is crucified by the Jews on the other side of the world. One point that I want to think out loud about a little bit is part of Samuel's great speech:

"...yea, for ye have sought all the days of your lives for that which ye could not obtain; and ye have sought for happiness in doing iniquity, which thing is contrary to the nature of that righteousness which is in our great and Eternal Head."

Helaman 13:38

What Samuel says here can be related to people of all parts of the world and in all times. EVERYONE seeks for happiness. Period. That is what motivates us in most everything we do - we think we will be happier as a result. He goes on to explain that the Nephites at this time were looking in all the wrong places. They were trying to find happiness in sin. Analyzing it this way may seem intuitive, but when it's happening to you, it is significantly less obvious.

I want to make two points here:
1. How do people look for happiness in sin today?
2. Where can we find true happiness?

1. How do people look for happiness in sin today?
There are so many things that people do for "pleasure" and instant gratification that cannot possibly last and will inevitably leave a deeper sense of unhappiness. My goal is not to list everything that we can do to look for happiness in the wrong places, but rather identify a few that we might not realize.

Anything we do or use that can cause addictions is a sure sign we are looking for happiness in a place it cannot be found. The obvious addictive substances include drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Less obvious are coffee and black tea, though they both contain high quantities of addictive caffeine. A common plague that fits this category in society today is pornography. How many people turn to their pornography in hopes of happiness, when in reality they are only satisfying a sinful lust and damning their own souls as they distance themselves further from the Lord and his Holy Spirit?

There are other ways we vainly seek for happiness such as vanity and feeding our pride. We think that if our house is bigger, our car is faster, and our toys are more expensive, then we will be happier. Whoops, that's definitely wrong. The cliche that money can't by happiness it true. How often do we look at future events and say to ourselves, "When such-and-such thing happens or is attained, then I will be happier?" Living for tomorrow will not bring happiness, nor will living in the past. Happiness must be found in the now!

2. Where can we find true happiness?
I'm reminded of a verse in the Book of Mormon that describes the Nephites at a much earlier period in their history when they were living righteously. Nephi describes his people:

"And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness."

2 Nephi 5:27

This is the how we want to live. What can we learn about Nephi's people that made them so happy? Here are just a few things that they did: building a temple to worship God, being industrious and laboring with their hands, and being obedient to God's commandments. These things truly bring happiness. As we put God first in our lives and seek to learn of him and follow his commandments, he will bless us with happiness. Without God we cannot be happy. Period.

So, righteous living brings happiness. Giving meaningful service also brings happiness. To share something personal, one of the absolute happiest periods in my life was when I was fully engaged for a couple years sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others and serving people that I did not even know. I learned to love everyone around me and had a deep desire to help them in their lives and share the happiness that I had found with those around me.

If you are looking for happiness and have been unable to find the lasting happiness that God wants for you, then you need the true Gospel of Jesus Christ in your life. I can promise you that it will help you find Christ in such a personal way that your life will forever be blessed. You will be happy. To learn more, I encourage you to let missionaries visit you and teach you the Gospel of Jesus Christ. From their very first visit, you will feel a difference in your heart and in your life. Click here to arrange for missionaries to share more with you. Also, please feel free to visit www.mormon.org to learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.