At the beginning of the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ, Lehi has a most amazing dream. In his dream, he sees a tree with fruit most desirable above , across a filthy river from the lovely tree, Lehi observed:
“And I … beheld … a great and spacious building; …
“And it was filled with people, both old and young, … and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who … were partaking of the fruit” (1 Nephi 8:26–27).
Mormons believe that Lehi was a prophet and that his dream reveals the path we must follow in our life in order to be truly happy and to win eternal joy. Glenn L. Pace, a leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (or Mormon Church) taught the difference between what the world would try to convince you is happiness, and what is true happiness. In his talk entitled “They’re Not Really Happy”, Brother Pace says of the people in the great and spacious building:
“They look happy and free, but don’t mistake telestial pleasure for celestial happiness and joy. Don’t mistake lack of self-control for freedom. Complete freedom without appropriate restraint makes us slaves to our appetites. Don’t envy a lesser and lower life.” (Ibid)
In order to be truly happy, the kind of happiness that brings lasting rewards, we must be obedient to the commandments of God. Be a good person, stay morally clean and “let virtue garnish they thoughts unceasingly; then shall they confidence wax strong in the presence of God.” (D&C 121:45.)
Brother Pace says:
“To those of you who are inching your way closer and closer to that great and spacious building, let me make it completely clear that the people in that building have absolutely nothing to offer except instant, short-term gratification inescapably connected to long-term sorrow and suffering. The commandments you observe were not given by a dispassionate God to prevent you from having fun, but by a loving Father in Heaven who wants you to be happy while you are living on this earth as well as in the hereafter.” (Ibid)
I testify that the party-goers you might envy are not truly happy; not as happy as you might be if you are faithful to God’s commandments and endure to the end. Make no mistake that there is joy in the journey and the delicious fruit of eternal joy in the life to come. Be happy now, and forever, by holding fast to the iron rod of the gospel and keeping your feet firmly on gospel ground.
