Living After The Manner Of Happiness

In The Book of Mormon we read that the people who followed after Nephi lived after the manner of happiness. How did they live? Does that mean they had no problems to deal with? Can I live like that now in this modern society??

The world bases its formula for happiness on our external achievements. How much money I have, how well educated I am, the successful position I have at work, how good looking I am, how healthy I am, what car I drive, the husband and children I have and their achievements. Wow. Based on such criteria I am an epic failure. All of these things can be taken away. Does that mean our happiness too?

We are taught in the Church and through our interaction with Deity that happiness starts internally and is based on the heart. When the prophet Samuel was given the task to find a new king from the sons of Jesse, it was David who was the youngest and a humble shepherd who was selected. When Samuel questioned why, the Lord taught him this extremely valuable lesson to look upon the heart of a person for a measure of their true value and worth. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could see ourselves the way Deity see us and each other in this same way. Would we feel more inclined to serve and help each other? Would we feel happier and more joy?

The group of people who followed Nephi were taught about Christ and recorded their thoughts and feelings for future generations. Their thoughts and feelings extended towards others in love and service just as we should. 

  

The doctrines of Christ they were taught helped them understand the central role our Saviour would play in the Plan of Happiness. Because of Him and His Atoning Sacrifice, we have the great privilege and honour of having the blessings of heaven open to us. We can return home. Our mother Eve was filled with joy when she realised our Saviour would come to redeem all mankind from the fall. So too can we be filled with joy in knowing we can return again to our Heavenly abode to the loving arms of Deity.

We can feel glimpses of that joy and happiness when we participate in the ordinances of the gospel for ourselves and loved ones. Often I have been witness to a sealing of a loved one and felt that joy and happiness that comes from seeing them take that further step along a righteous path.

So does this mean that happiness is when life and people are perfect? It sure isn’t that way here. Do I have to wait until I am and life is perfect to feel happiness and joy? I am reminded by the example of the Saviour that He found joy and happiness in His relationship with others. He must have had many moments of happy conversation and smiles with His disciples and family. He must have had great joy playing games with the children and enjoying their happiness as newly arrived from the presence of heaven. Those special moments that defined His life and the service He gave. What a perfect example He is of happy living and of love and devotion to all. What joy there is in knowing He lives and that we can be with Him and our Heavenly Parents again. Perfection may be pending but happiness is ours here and now because of Him. Please remember that He is the author and finisher of our salvation and our happiness and joy. Trials and challenges are but a small moment and teach us many valuable lessons. 

Let us remember to be grateful and take more notice of the daily joys and happiness that are part of our lives.

By Amanda Hadley