Real happiness is available to those who follow Jesus Christ and keep his commandments.
For God so loved the world that he gave his Only Begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. – John 3:16
Despite challenges and hardships, all of our righteous dreams can come true if we look to the Savior and follow Him. He has prepared a plan for us that is, as the saying goes, “too good to be true” — yet it is true. Even still, hardships and life’s challenges are okay, because we know they have purpose and will not thwart the Great Plan of Happiness. I know that our righteous intents will all be fulfilled. That is what the Lord Jesus Christ has promised us.
Today, the adversary and his minions have persuaded many to believe that true joy and eternal happiness is beyond our reach. That is completely inaccurate. Our fondest dreams are not only achievable, but are guaranteed through the Savior Jesus Christ.
Former second counselor in the First Presidency James E Faust taught in “Message to My Grandsons“ of the great blessing of holding the priesthood of God. He emphasized that this blessing is reserved for relatively few, considering the billions of people in the world.
“To hold the priesthood is a signal honor; yet any worthy man or boy over the age of 12 in the Church may receive it.”
The commandments, opportunities, and ordinances received through the Church are not limits or controls that constrain or confine our happiness, but rather blessings and guidelines that ensure it.
I realize that promising you all your hopes and dreams sounds pretentious. How can I assure you joy now and eternal happiness is within our reach? Isn’t that claim absurd — “Our fondest dreams are not only achievable, they are guaranteed through the Savior Jesus Christ”? But it is not my promise. It is His.
President Hinckley spoke of this truth multiple times. “This work will continue to grow and prosper and move across the earth.” The Lord is fulfilling His promise that the gospel will fill the whole earth, and this miracle is happening right before our eyes.
This is the final chapter in the long chronicle of God’s dealings with men and women on earth. Though the Church was restored only a relatively few years ago, it now covers the earth. Missionaries, temples, congregations, truth, and understanding are abundant and unique among all other sects on earth. The claims of this religion are fantastic and unparalleled when compared to others — for that, we do not apologize. Our assertion is that this is God’s kingdom on Earth and as such, it is beyond what man can do or even comprehend. The gospel of Jesus Christ touches the hearts of people all across the earth. It provides hope amid despair, and peace in the midst of chaos.
“Never forget that this was His promise and that He has the power and the capacity to see that it is fulfilled.” – Gordon B. Hinckley
The gospel of Jesus Christ has now touched for good the lives of millions. The capacity and outcome of its influence is beyond our understanding, yet its impact changes our lives and many others’ every day. And this is only the beginning.
The Dawning of a Brighter Day is within our reach and is in fact already among us. The human race has lived through peril. The God of heaven grants us the opportunity of salvation and exaltation if only we will live in righteousness. This knowledge places on us a grand responsibility — indeed, a signal honor.
May we live worthy of this glorious endowment of light and understanding.
In 1989, Walter Penning formed a consultancy based in Salt Lake City and empowered his clients by streamlining processes and building a loyal, lifetime customer base with great customer service. His true passion is found in his family. He says the best decision he ever made was to marry his sweetheart and have children. The wonderful family she has given him and her constant love, support, and patience amid life's challenges is his panacea.
Twitter •
