In The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Twelve Apostles, we read, “His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come.” But how can we find His path? And once we have found it, how can we get on it and stay on it?
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (or Mormons) we believe in thirteen articles of faith, or tenets, the fourth of which states:
“We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Articles of Faith 1:4.)
How can faith in the Lord Jesus Christ help us find the path that leads to happiness? To answer this question, we must understand that were it not for a perfect Savior who willingly gave His life for us, there could be no remission of our sins. Lehi, a Book of Mormon prophet, taught that “no flesh … can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah” (2 Ne. 2:8.)
Next, we must repent of our sins and give them up, forever. Repentance involves not just a change of actions but a change of heart. The Lord said, “Behold, this is my doctrine—whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me, the same is my church” (D&C 10:67.) http://scriptures.lds.org/dc/10//67#67 In his talk, “A Mighty Change of Heart” President Ezra Taft Benson said:
“If we wish to truly repent and come unto Him so that we can be called members of His Church, we must first and foremost come to realize this eternal truth—the gospel plan is the plan of happiness. Wickedness never did, never does, never will bring us happiness. Violation of the laws of God brings only misery, bondage, and darkness” (Ensign, Oct 1989, 2.)
In the scriptures we read of men whose lives were changed in dramatic ways when they repented. For most of us, repenting does not bring such astonishing results. We shouldn’t second-guess ourselves or assume we are somehow less worthy if we don’t experience such things ourselves. “There are hundreds and thousands of people who find the process of repentance much more subtle, much more imperceptible” says President Benson. Little by little, day by day, these people live quiet lives of goodness and service, striving to live the lives God has asked of them. Don’t be like the Lamanites who the Lord said “were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not” (3 Ne. 9:20.)
The Psalmist exclaimed:
“O how love I thy law! … Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies. … Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. … Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart” (Ps. 119:97-98, 105, 111.)
I pray that you can be found rejoicing in your heart also. Please don’t get down on yourself if you fail to hear angels singing or the voice of God Himself reassuring you that you have been forgiven of your sins. Have faith. Believe. Know that your Savior gave His life for you and that all is required of you is to live by that knowledge, through faith, repent and sin no more. Your Heavenly Father wants you to be happy so He has prepared a way for you. If you will follow Him, have faith in Him and repent of your sins, you will find yourself on the path that leads to happiness.
