Finding Happiness

Joseph Smith, founder and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (or Mormons,) said that, “happiness is the object and design of our existence.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 255.)

But if God truly loves us and wants us to be happy, why does so much unhappiness and misery happen every day throughout the world?

That question is perhaps the singlemost challenging hurdle in the path of an individuals’ journey of faith. Many good people have fallen trying to cross it, never to get up again, but to give up the journey. Some turn to atheism, choosing to believe there is no God, rather than to accept that He would allow harm to come to one of His children. Others, harden their hearts against God, and give in to hate and anger.

Some of our suffering is our own doing. Incorrect choices, sin have the consequence of unhappiness, and sometimes pain. But much suffering is simply a natural extension of our mortal condition—like an accident, it is not caused by anyone, it only happens because we live in an imperfect world.

There was a time when our Father Adam and Mother Eve had been offered a perfect world where there would never be any suffering. No pain, no misery, no accidents.

However, Lehi, a Book of Mormon prophet explained that if Adam and Eve had not gone through the process we call the Fall, they would have remained forever in their initial state of innocence, “having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin” (2 Ne. 2:23.)

That might sound pretty good, but if they had remained in that state of innocence, we would not have come to exist. Even if we had, we would not know the good from the bad, we would have no way of knowing that we were happy—we would simply be.

Dallin H. Oaks, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught:

“Our first parents recognized this principle. When the Holy Ghost fell upon them and bore record of the Father and the Son, Adam blessed the name of the Lord, declaring that “because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy” (Moses 5:10.) With inspired insight, Eve explained the purpose of life and the source of joy:

“Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient” (Moses 5:11)
(“Joy and Mercy,” Ensign, Nov 1991, 73.)

As Eve might have said herself, it is better for us to taste the bitter that we might enjoy the sweet. I know that what I’m suggesting is difficult to accept, particularly if the pain of loss is fresh in your heart and mind. However, I do know that Adam and Eve chose the better part and because of them, you and I have the privilege of experiencing joy—and misery.

I testify that it is necessary for us to experience loss, heartache, misery, so that we are better equipped to recognize the good when it comes and truly appreciate it. Our Heavenly Father wants us to be happy in this life. Modern revelation tells us that “all things which come of the earth … are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart” (D&C 59:18.) The gospel plan provides a way for us to overcome the sadness in this world, and that plan is “the great plan of happiness” (Alma 42:8.)

Spencer W. Kimball, former President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (or Mormons,) once said: “Marriage can be more an exultant ecstasy than the human mind can imagine” (“Oneness in Marriage,” Tambuli, Jun 1978, 1.) And I believe it is true.

My sister lives in humble circumstances, and has her entire married life. Yet, she is happily married. My husband and I did not get to have all the children we desired, nor do we enjoy good health, and yet, we are happy.

Far too married couples claim to be happy. It’s so common, in fact, to be unhappy that when you say you are happy in your marriage, people often look at you like you’ve sprouted horns. Yet, real, lasting happiness, is possible.

President Kimball taught that a simple formula could guarantee every couple a happy and eternal marriage. However, like all formulas, it often doesn’t work if you try to switch out the ingredients, or ignore one or two ingredients all together. You must pay careful attention to each ingredient in the formula—if you do this, you and your spouse will be happy.

First, the utmost care must be taken when choosing an eternal companion. This is not the time to give in to your hormones, or to other base desires. Make every effort to choose a companion who possesses all of those characters you deem to be most important for the long term. Think of the lifestyle you plan to lead, the children you hope to have, how you will raise them, what you expect from a future mate. All of these things and more, must be addressed and accounted for before you say “I do.”

Second, both individuals must practice great unselfishness. That “I do” you said when you got married should be the last time you think of “I.” Think of “we,” and you’ll do just fine. Think of the family, and strive to do all things for the good of the family—that is where happiness lies.

Third, saying “I do,” should not end the courting you enjoyed before you were married. Continued expressions of kindness and affection are the life blood of your marriage and absolutely necessary to keep love alive and growing.

And finally, keep the commandments of the Lord, as defined in the gospel of Jesus Christ. There can be no substitute for obedience to these commandments—they must be lived completely.

Apply these ingredients generously and continuously within your marriage and family unit. If you do this, President Kimball promised that “it is quite impossible for unhappiness to come, misunderstandings to continue, or breaks to occur.”

A happy marriage means lots of sacrifice and sharing. It means you don’t always get what you want. It means giving yourself in service to your spouse and your children. It means inviting care and worry for another to take the place of selfish cares and concerns. But life-long and eternal happiness is your reward—surely the price is not too great.

It is my distinct pleasure to come here to LDSblogs.com most days to write about happiness. Very often my song has the same words, just maybe set to a different tune. At first this concerned me. My readers will get bored! I worried. I figured you wouldn’t want to read the same thing, over and over again. Because, after all, the road to happiness is the straight and narrow road that leads to eternal life. There can be no other way to obtain happiness, so there’s no point in me trying to sugar coat it.

However, if you, like me, are human, sometimes stubborn, often tempted, somewhat discouraged by the hurdles life throws in your path—you never tire of reading how happiness can be obtained. Oftentimes for me, it is the very act of studying for this blog that sets my day straight. I have to be here, writing about this, learning about happiness, you choose to be here and as a result I am sure you are doubly blessed.

I love to read the words of Marion G. Romney. He was a General Authority in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (or Mormons,) from 1951 to 1972. Like all prophets though, his words are timeless and count as much today as they did back then.

In an article published in the New Era, President Romney said, “Happiness depends upon possession of the moral virtues possessed and taught by Jesus. It cannot be conferred upon a person by another. It cannot be bought, purchased, or stolen. It can be won only by righteous living” (“Happiness,” New Era, Oct 1979, 5.)

Often, I have quoted the Prophet Joseph Smith when writing about happiness because in my opinion no truer words have been written on the subject before or since. He wrote:

“Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 255–56.)

President Romney and President Smith are in agreement: It is through righteous living and keeping all the commandments of God that one can obtain true happiness in this life. Though many temptations are alluring, we must acknowledge and accept the fact that, “wickedness never was happiness” (Alma 41:10.)

Our beloved Jesus told us exactly how happiness may be found:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28–30.)

President Romney also said, “As I have thought about the relationship of the teachings of Jesus to happiness, I have concluded that one’s conformance or nonconformance to them affects one’s happiness whether he accepts, rejects, or acts in ignorance of them.”

If you deny the teachings of Christ, whether you do so because you are ignorant of them, or you willfully refuse to adhere to them, your opportunity for true happiness will be decreased. However, if you make it your priority to study the teachings of Jesus and to act according to them, you will be blessed in ways uncounted—including an increase of happiness.

It is your responsibility to know and conform with the teachings of Jesus. Do that, and you will be happy.

In conclusion, a fun poem confirms all we have learned today. I hope you’ll come back and read with me again—the lessons of happiness bear repeating.

To Be Happy

You’ve got to be straight to be happy,
You’ve got to be square as a die.
Through wrong may come infinite pleasures,
But they fade, and they fly.

You’ve got to take life at its noblest
If you want to have gladness that counts,
Want the verve and the zeal of the spirit
That lifts you along as it mounts.

And, Oh! how it pays out of goodness
To draw for each day as we strive
Some measures of clean, healthy gladness,
In our work, and for being alive!

You’ve got to be true to be happy,
Be true to yourself over all,
And be blind to the lure of evil,
And deaf to its powerful call.

To set up high standards and keep them,
With the records so straight and so true,
For nothing can ever condemn them,
If that is your creed, it will do.

You’ve got to be clean to be happy,
You’ve got to be steadfast and pure
If you want what fife gives that is earnest,
That will help, and will hold, and endure.
(Baltimore Sun)

Heavenly Father loves you and has not left you comfortless. He has provided you a Comfortor (John 15:26,) who with a still, small voice can guide and direct you in all that you do.

You were sent here to be happy—to live life to its fullest and to reach your greatest potential. Each one of us is blessed with special skills and talents that if we can uncover and use them are sure to bless our lives and bring us added joy.

In an address given to students at Brigham Young University on January 23rd, 2001, Richard G. Scott said, “I will share a principle [which will enable] you [to] learn vital truths that will bring you greater, enduring happiness and make your life more productive and meaningful.” That principle is simply to consistently strive to learn by what you hear, see and feel—and then, write down the important things you learn and do them.

Most of us learn strictly by listening to teachers or reading from books. These are both legitimate and useful means of instruction, however we are missing a vital link to the vast storehouse of knowledge our Father in Heaven has laid up for us. There is another Teacher, who is constantly teaching, if we will but listen.

The Holy Ghost is a gift from God to help us keep our feet on the straight and narrow path. He can help us gauge every decision, every choice, whether it be for our good or not. Elder Scott suggests that we:

“Develop the skill of learning by what you see and particularly by what the Holy Ghost prompts you to feel. Consciously seek to learn by what you see and feel, and your capacity to do so will expand through consistent practice. Ask in faith for such help. Live to be worthy of it. Seek to recognize it. Write down in a secure place the important things you learn from the Spirit. You will find that as you write down precious impressions, often more will come. Also, the knowledge you gain will be available throughout your life. Always, day or night, wherever you are, whatever you are doing, seek to recognize and respond to the direction of the Spirit. Express gratitude for the help received and obey it. This practice will reinforce your capacity to learn by the Spirit. It will permit the Lord to guide your life and to enrich the use of every other capacity latent in your being.”

The Holy Ghost reveals and teaches “the truth of all things” (Moroni 10:5.) His whisperings carry far more certainty and clarity than we can obtain through our natural senses. If you will pray for such a gift, and then strive to listen for it, you come to find you can rely on it and you will be blessed with greater happiness because of that gift.

I decided to write this article today because I needed the lesson it gave. In the past I’ve taken the challenge to listen to the Spirit and to write down—and follow—the promptings I receive. It really works! For a time I was happy doing what I knew to be right in my life. However, it’s easy to let life get in the way, and to forget what I know to be best for me.

Reading this has renewed my desire to put this counsel into practice. I can testify that taking the time to listen to the still, small voice and then to act upon the promptings you receive can truly bless your life with happiness and joy. It does take constant effort and practice, but it is worth it—and eternal joy is your reward.

Nowadays, most of us are like Philip of New Testament, who cried “How can I [find my way], except some man should guide me?” (Acts 8:31) Though according to Joseph Smith, “Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, selected by Joseph Fielding Smith (1976), 255–56.)

How can we begin find that path that leads to happiness? Thomas S. Monson, then First Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (or the Mormon church,) spoke on “The Hallmarks of a Happy Home” (Liahona, Oct 2001, 3,) and taught how it is the family that can lead and guide us to the path that leads to happiness in this life and in the life to come.

Mrs. Margaret Thatcher, former prime minister of Great Britain, expressed the profound philosophy: “The family is the building block of society. It is a nursery, a school, a hospital, a leisure center, a place of refuge and a place of rest. It encompasses the whole of the society. It fashions our beliefs; it is the preparation for the rest of our life” (Nicholas Wood, “Thatcher Champions the Family,” London Times, 26 May 1988.)

President Monson taught that the building blocks for a happy home include:

1. A pattern of prayer.
2. A library of learning.
3. A legacy of love.
4. A treasury of testimony.

Prayer is the single most important block upon which the other blocks must stand. President Monson said, “Family prayer is the greatest deterrent to sin, and hence the most beneficent provider of joy and happiness. The old saying is yet true: “The family that prays together stays together"."

Where there is a love of good books, there are children who learn to love the world, and all that is in it. John Howard Payne wrote:

Books are keys to wisdom’s treasure;
Books are gates to lands of pleasure;
Books are paths that upward lead;
Books are friends. Come, let us read.
(“‘Mid Pleasures and Palaces,” Hymns (1948), number 185.)

Give your children a legacy of love, by letting them see you serve one another, neighbors and friends. Don’t be worthy of Jacob’s chastisement to the people of Nephi who forgot the importance of such a loving legacy: “Ye have broken the hearts of your tender wives, and lost the confidence of your children, because of your bad examples before them; and the sobbings of their hearts ascend up to God against you” (Jacob 2:35.)

And finally, let your homes be a treasure of testimony. President David O. McKay said “The first and foremost opportunity for teaching in the Church lies in the home” (Priesthood Home Teaching Handbook, revised edition (1967), ii–iii,) and “A true Mormon home is one in which if Christ should chance to enter, he would be pleased to linger and to rest” (In Conference Report, October 1947, 120; or Gospel Ideals: Selections from the Discourses of David O. McKay (1953), 169.)

It’s not just enough that you believe in God and in His son Jesus Christ, you must be sure to teach your children. Let them hear you bearing your testimony—sharing it with them every opportunity you get. President Monson said: “A love for the Savior, a reverence for His name, and genuine respect one for another will provide a fertile seedbed for a testimony to grow.”

I testify to you that if you follow those ‘hallmarks for a happy home,’ namely, a pattern of prayer, a library of learning, a legacy of love, and a treasury of testimony, your home and the hearts of your family members will be filled with happiness and you will have found the path that leads to happiness and joy ever after.

Every day we search for happiness—every one of us. There is not one living person who does not desire to be happy. Unfortunately, very often we mistake pleasure for happiness and since pleasure is more widely available we desperately grab onto it and hope it will make us happy.

Drugs, alcohol, even over eating can be a source of momentary pleasure that does not bring us the lasting happiness we crave. The world is full of sources of pleasure that are appealing on the surface, but can’t deliver the soul-healing joy that we were created to experience.

David O. McKay, then of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (or Mormons,) once said, “You may get that transitory pleasure, yes, but you cannot find joy, you cannot find happiness. Happiness is found only along that well beaten track, narrow as it is, though straight, which leads to life eternal” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1919, 180.)

In Leonard Tolstoy’s book War and Peace, his character Pierre Bezúkhov learn “that man is created for happiness, that happiness is within him, in the satisfaction of simple human needs, and that all unhappiness arises not from privation but from superfluity” (trans. Louise and Aylmer Maude [1942], 1176.)

Here, Pierre is stating that it’s not for going without that brings us unhappiness, but excess. It’s not for having too little, but having too much.

Too often, we strive for more. We are a culture of overabundance and we are not any happier because of it. Rather, our obesity, our dependence on recreational drugs, is at an all-time high. We are drowning in our superfluity and we are not happy.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ can provide you with a plan for your own life that will yield you happiness unmeasured, without end. “The assurance of supreme happiness, the certainty of a successful life here and of exaltation and eternal life hereafter, come to those who plan to live their lives in complete harmony with the gospel of Jesus Christ—and then consistently follow the course they have set” (The Miracle of Forgiveness [1969], 259.)

Decide today to make Christ’s plan of happiness your own. Make it the blueprint for your life. Forsake the lure of fleeting happiness and grasp instead, that joy that is yours for the taking—a life well lived in the gospel of Christ, your feet firm on the narrow path that leads you to life and joy eternal.

Imagine you have a beautiful little girl. Her hair is silken, her eyes sparkle, her voice is a song to your ears. Such a precious child and you want nothing but the best for her. She deserves every happiness she can obtain in life.

Your dear child, decides that what she most wants is to go deep sea diving in dangerous shark infested waters. The thrill of it makes her feel alive, she says. It will make her ultimately happy, she claims.

When you counter her requests with heaps of evidence that prove that such a venture would probably cost her her life, she declares that she would be the one to beat the odds because it’s so important to her. Even if she did die, she would be happy for that moment and so it would be worth it.

Now, as a loving parent, would you think her chosen course of action was a prudent one? Would you encourage her, and help her achieve her dream? Kissing her goodbye as she climbed on that boat and sailed out to sea?

Or, would you do everything you could to dissuade her, to protect her, knowing that her greater happiness lay in living a long life safe from the potential life altering pain and injury of swimming with man-eating sharks?

Oftentimes, we don’t always desire that which is good for us. Imagine if all our desires were granted to us … we would likely be far from happy.

James E. Faust, then second councilor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (or Mormons,) said, “Instant and unrestrained gratification of all our desires would be the shortest and most direct route to unhappiness. The many hours I have spent listening to the tribulations of men and women have persuaded me that both happiness and unhappiness are much of our own making” (“Our Search for Happiness,” Ensign, Oct 2000, 2.)

The Prophet Joseph Smith detailed the only reliable path to happiness when he told us, “Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 255–56.)

Even though “men are, that they might have joy” (2 Ne. 2:25,) it doesn’t mean that everything is going to go smoothly and all we will experience is happiness and joy. The Book of Mormon also tells us, “for it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things” (2 Ne. 2:11.)

No one, no matter how righteous will experience happiness every moment of every day. But perhaps the happiest among us have learned that in order to be happy, they must learn to recognize the elements of happiness and to treasure them while they last.

So perhaps you could tell your daredevil child to look to smaller, less thrilling ways to find her happiness … it might not get her adrenaline pumping in quite the same way as swimming with sharks might, but surely the quantity of happiness she could experience over a lifetime would outweigh the fleeting moments of pleasure she might feel on her adventure.

God sent us to this earth to be happy. Through His son, Jesus Christ, He created the world and everything that is upon it. They did this, so that God’s children would have a beautiful home in which to grow and learn of Him, to suffer and to be tested, to love and find joy—to choose.

From the very beginning, He planned and prepared a way that would ensure we would not have to go through life alone. In Genesis we read: “And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18.) In the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ we also read, “and men are, that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25.)

Through these brief scriptures we catch a glimpse of God’s great plan for us: We are not to be alone, and we are meant to have joy in this life. The family is a creation of God designed to help us make our way in this life and in the life to come. It is ordained of God and can be the source of never ending happiness for us.

Every family should keep an eternal perspective—to remember that it is not just this life, but an eternity that we have to be together. Ezra Taft Benson, thirteenth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (or the Mormon Church,) said, “There can be no genuine happiness separate and apart from the home. The sweetest influences and associations of life are there” (n Conference Report, Oct. 1947, 27.)

The scriptures command us to “honor they father and mother” (Exodus 20:12.) Spencer W. Kimball, twelfth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, said:

“If we truly honor our parents as we are commanded to do, we will seek to emulate their best characteristics and to fulfill their highest aspirations for us. Nothing we could give them materially would be more prized than our righteous living” (“Hold Fast to the Iron Rod,” Ensign, Nov. 1978, 6.)

As a family, we must draw near to God, our Heavenly Father, on a daily basis.

Let your children hear you pray so that they can learn how to speak to God themselves. Also, let them hear you praying for them, that they may know how very much you love them. John Taylor, third president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, wrote:

“Do not forget to call upon the Lord in your family circles, dedicating yourselves and all you have to God every day of your lives; and seek to do right, and cultivate the spirit of union and love, and the peace and blessing of the Living God will be with us, and He will lead us in the paths of life” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor (2001), 148.)

And President George Albert Smith said, “[Do] we want our homes to be happy[?] If we do, let them be the abiding place of prayer, thanksgiving and gratitude” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1944, 32.)

In conjunction with prayer, we must read our scriptures together as a family. “Families are greatly blessed when wise fathers and mothers bring their children about them, read from the pages of the scriptural library together, and then discuss freely the beautiful stories and thoughts according to the understanding of all” (President Howard W. Hunter, “Reading the Scriptures,” Ensign, Nov. 1979, 64.)

Finally, all must be done with love. Strive to make your speech a communication of love, always. President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “There are good families everywhere. But there are too many who are in trouble. This is a malady with a cure. The prescription is simple and wonderfully effective. It is love” (“Look to the Future,” Ensign, Nov. 1997, 69.)

Remember these people are those whom your Heavenly Father Himself, has given you for your eternal happiness. He did not wish for you to be alone, and so He created your family for you. They can be a source of great joy to you, and I testify that they will be if you will follow these simple steps: Remember you can be a Forever Family, give due honor and respect to your parents, pray together, read scripture together, and above all, tie it all together with love. Do these things, and ‘genuine happiness’ will be yours.

Lately I’ve written a lot on the subject of keeping the commandments as a source of happiness in our lives. You are probably ready for me to move on already! But I read this wonderful quote and thought you might bear with me just one more time.

George Albert Smith, former president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (or the Mormon church,) said:

“It ought not to be difficult for us to keep the commandments of the Lord, because keeping them leads to happiness. It ought not to be difficult for husbands and wives to love one another and be true to one another, because doing so is a source of happiness. It ought not to be difficult for boys and girls to love their parents and honor them, because that is another source of happiness. Being honest with our neighbors is a source of happiness. Paying Him our tithes and our offerings is a source of blessing and happiness. I might go on and enumerate many other things, but I may sum it all by saying: All the happiness that is worthy of the name, all the real happiness there is in this world, comes from living in accordance with the commandments of God—whether men know it or not.”

I would love to have a perfectly fit and healthy body. Once, I was a bodybuilder and competed in amateur bodybuilding competitions. Today, I’m about thirty pounds overweight and can’t strike a pose except to make my children laugh. I know what I need to do to get into shape. I even know how to work out properly. There is a great gym very nearby my house that has all the equipment I need to get into shape.

But do I go? Umm, nope.

However, when I have gone to work out, I feel tremendously good. Not only does my body enjoy being pushed to its limits—coming alive the way only physical exercise allows us to do—but my spirits are also invigorated. You often hear people say “It’s so hard to get to the gym, but I’m always happy when I do because I feel so much better!”

That’s precisely how it is in keeping the commandments. We don’t always want to do them, but they are good for us and following them will always make us happy.

I testify that following the commandments brings peace to our hearts and happiness to lives. Study the commandments as found in Exodus 20, and in the New Testament. Pray about them and discern how they can be applied to your own life. As you do this and strive to live by them daily, you will be blessed with happiness beyond your imaginings.

So flex a little mental muscle and decide today that though it isn’t always easy, you will obey the commandments of God and be spiritually fit and eternally happy.

Recently, I’ve written a great deal about the importance in keeping the commandments of God in our search for happiness. It is of such import to our eternal progression, that I am moved to write on the subject once more.

Keeping the commandments, which include the Ten Commandments as given by God to Moses as well as those added by the Savior—to love the Lord with all your heart, mind, might and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself. The self-mastery and personal discipline keeping the commandments requires of you, grants the real freedom that exalts and sustains us—this is the secret to happiness both here and hereafter.

Some people think that happiness is a life of ease, full of glamor and luxury. But true happiness in fact derives from the selfless service of our fellow man.

The world is fraught with temptations that play upon our natural selfishness. It is not a sin to be human and to be tempted by the things of the world. What is sinful is to deny the godliness within us.

“For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father” (Mosiah 3:19.)

Selflessness is a God-given virtue and is a key to happiness. When we put off the natural man and strive to be more God-like, we find are more giving, more loving, more quick to do that thing that Christ would do Himself if He were here.

That fun adage “What would Jesus do?” is an apt phrase that can be put to good use in our lives. Strive to perform acts of Christian service, to be the hands of heart of Christ in all that you do. Former president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (or Mormons,) Spencer W. Kimball said, “Every principle of the gospel carries within itself its own witness that it is true. So it is that acts of service help not only the beneficiaries of the service, but they enlarge the giver”
(Spencer W. Kimball, “Privileges and Responsibilities of Sisters,” New Era, Jan 1979, 42.)

It is by striving to be more like Jesus Christ, that you will fulfill your own destiny and become more like your true self. In this way you will have the opportunity to reach your full potential and to reap the happiness that our loving Heavenly Father holds in store for you.