20 March has been declared ‘International Day of Happiness’ by the United Nations General Assembly.
For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, happiness is central to their faith. In fact, Mormon scripture refers to God’s plan for His children as ‘the great plan of happiness,’ or ‘the plan of salvation,’ or ‘the plan of redemption.’
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Many people throughout the world and down through the ages may have asked: What is happiness? Where do we find it? How do we obtain it?
There are many approaches to seeking happiness. Some may feel that having money makes us happy. Others may feel that it is owning more of the material things of the world that brings happiness. And some may feel that others should provide us with the things that will make us happy.
Elder Claudio R. M. Costa, a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recounts that “after being baptized into the Church [he] was asked by a close friend, ‘What did I find so different there?’ — meaning my membership in the Church.”
He continued: “I answered, ‘I have found true happiness.’ To which my friend replied, ‘There is no such thing as true happiness — only happy moments.’”
“My friend along with many others in the world does not understand the difference between fun and happiness. Happiness is much more than just fun. Fun is a fleeting moment, but happiness is a lasting thing.”
As stated previously, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints refer often to God’s “Great plan of happiness” (see The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ — Alma 42:8).
Through Christ’s doctrine, Mormons believe, we are taught that we can be part of this divine plan. Latter-day Saints believe that by obedience to His commandments, individuals are blessed and come to know true happiness.
Christine, a recent convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, “People have noticed how happy I am. “I am really, really happy. I have changed my life from being an alcoholic and smoking three packs of cigarettes a day to a new life. The Church’s emphasis on purity and modesty is in stark contrast to the world I used to live in.”
Elder Costa states, “to be truly happy we need to give heed to the Saviour’s counsel, by living His commandments, and by obeying the words of His living prophet.”
Mormons believe that God desires that all of His children throughout the world will find true, lasting happiness.
Read more about Mormons’ beliefs regarding happiness at Mormon.org.