Book of Mormon: Day 49: The Manner of Happiness

Today’s Reading: 2 Nephi 5

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

There are so many different sources telling us how to be happy in today’s world. Some say money will make you happy. Some say that having nice things will make you happy. Some say that having a body like a model will make you happy. And some say that living your life the way you want without any thought for consequences will make you happy.

But do any of these things truly make us happy? Without the gospel of Jesus Christ, is it truly possible to be happy?

There was a recent article in the Ensign about what the Book of Mormon can teach us about happiness, and 2 Nephi 5 was one of the chapters that was dissected. In that chapter, Nephi talks about several different ways that led them to living “after the manner of happiness.”

Nephi mentions that he took the people who believed in the warnings and revelations of God (v. 6) with him to start a new life. To be happy, we must surround ourselves with people who believe the same things we do.

Nephi also says that he took his family (v. 6) with him. Every time I think about what it means to be happy, I think about my family and the joy I feel knowing that I can be with them for eternity. I don’t think happiness can exist without family. Elder Marlin K. Jensen has said “there is no other organization that can so completely satisfy our need for belonging and happiness like the family,” and I completely agree.

Third, Nephi says they kept the commandments of God (v. 10). Heavenly Father gave us commandments because He loves us and He wants us to be happy and free from the consequences of bad decisions. Elder John B. Dickson said “the closer we come to living in accordance with the patterns and principles He has set, the happier and more complete we will be.” Of course we will make mistakes, but I know that we will be a lot happier when we follow His commandments, because I have experienced that in my own life.

Nephi says that they worked hard and grew and raised their own food (v. 11, 15, 17). President Monson once said “put simply, the exhilaration of being creative and the feeling of accomplishment that often accompany hard work bring happiness.” We haven’t had room to grow a big garden yet, but even the joy and satisfaction that I get from having a simple basil plant has proven this point to me.

Nephi and his family brought the scriptures with them (v. 12). They studied and learned and obeyed the commandments that were written. Scripture study is an important part of being happy because not only can the scriptures help us answer questions and problems we have in our lives, they can give us a clearer idea of what our purpose in life is, help us recognize the Holy Ghost’s influence, and give us comfort in times of tragedy. Studying the scriptures and developing our testimonies of not just the Book of Mormon but also the Bible and Doctrine and Covenants can bring us true joy.

Nephi also prepared his people for possible war against the Lamanites by making swords to keep them safe (v. 14). We should be prepared not only for natural and financial disasters, but for the roles we want to have in our lives. We can prepare to be wives, mothers, teachers, friends, and homemakers. It might seem silly to prepare for those things, but Nephi knew the value of being prepared for all things, and we should learn it, too.

Last, Nephi mentions that they built a temple (v. 16). Without temples, we wouldn’t be able to perform the ordinances that can help us be with our families for eternity. Without temples, we wouldn’t be able to perform the ordinances that can help those who have passed on be with their families for eternity. I have felt the presence of those whose work I have done while at the temple, and I know that the joy that comes from serving in the temple is so very real. We should do our best to attend the temple as often as we can.

Elder Marlin K. Jensen said “The same patterns and elements of daily life that enabled Nephi and his people to be happy 560 years before Christ work equally well today. They fit comfortably at every stage during our lives and in every culture.” When we follow all of these principles, we can also live “after the manner of happiness.” We can find true joy in our lives.

With faith in Jesus Christ and a determination to do our best to follow Him, we can overcome all things and eventually enjoy eternal, never-ending happiness. – Elder John B. Dickson

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