![]() … Your righteous decisions determine who you are and what is important to you. “Real joy comes from righteous character, and that is built from a pattern of consistent righteous decisions. “Recognize that enduring happiness comes from what you are, not from what you have. Scott (1928–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: Monson (1927–2018) taught that “there is no friendship more valuable than your own clear conscience, your own moral cleanliness-and what a glorious feeling it is to know that you stand in your appointed place clean and with the confidence that you are worthy to do so.” 5 UprightnessĪ second path of happiness is uprightness. “The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever” ( D&C 121:45–46). “Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. Virtue begins in the heart and mind, and it is the accumulation of thousands of small decisions and actions each day. They are confident because they are worthy to receive and be guided by the Holy Ghost. Virtuous people possess a quiet dignity and inner strength. It encompasses chastity and moral purity, which qualify you to enter the Lord’s holy temples. The first of these paths is virtue, which is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards. Faithfully and firmly planting our footsteps on those paths will allow us to enjoy happiness in the journey ahead. Let us consider the importance of some of the paths of happiness found in the scriptures and taught by modern prophets and apostles. Much of our happiness is actually “under personal control.” 4 Happiness is determined by habits, behaviors, and thought patterns that we can directly address with intentional action. Instead, achieving happiness typically involves a long-sustained effort for something more important in life. Research shows that happiness is not the result of bouncing from one experience to the next. Scientists know that “more than simply positive mood, happiness is a state of well-being that encompasses living a good life-that is, with a sense of meaning and deep satisfaction.” 3 Unfortunately for many, happiness is elusive. Happiness is found only along that well beaten track, narrow as it is, though straight, which leads to life eternal.” 2 McKay (1873–1970) said: “You may get that transitory pleasure, yes, but you cannot find joy, you cannot find happiness. Usually, pleasure endures for only a short time.Īs President David O. It seems that the more people seek temporary pleasure, the less happy they become. Pleasure is often confused with happiness. As with truth itself, however, many are kept from happiness “because they know not where to find it” ( D&C 123:12).īecause they do not know where to find true and lasting happiness, they look for it in things that actually bring temporary pleasure only-buying things, seeking honor and praise from the world through inappropriate behavior, or focusing on physical beauty and attractiveness. ![]() In their own way, what they are really looking for is happiness. People everywhere are looking for something. ![]() … 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.” 1 “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. ![]() More than anything else, Heavenly Father desires our true and lasting happiness. Couple in front of Oakland California Temple
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |