Holiness and the Plan of Happiness
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What is the relationship between holiness and happiness according to President Eyring?
- How can we increase in holiness?
- What role do trials and adversity play in our journey towards holiness and happiness?
- What counsel does President Eyring give to those who feel they are not experiencing the promised happiness despite their faithfulness?
Topics
Understanding the Plan of Happiness
The plan of happiness, also known as the plan of salvation, is a plan designed by our Heavenly Father for the happiness of His children. It involves increasing in holiness through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, faith, repentance, and covenant keeping.
That is what Heavenly Father; His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost have offered every spirit child of Heavenly Father who now lives, will live, or ever has lived in this world. That offer is sometimes called the plan of happiness.
He taught his son that increasing in holiness was the only path to happiness.
- What is the plan of happiness?
- How can we increase in holiness according to the plan of happiness?
- How can you apply the principles of the plan of happiness in your life?
- What steps can you take to increase in holiness?
Experiencing Holiness in Sacred Places
Sacred places such as temples can help us feel closer to the Savior and experience a sense of holiness and happiness. They remind us of our divine heritage and potential.
In that moment, a clear impression came to me that I had been there before.
He brings a feeling of happiness and assurance that I am becoming more holy.
- How can sacred places like temples help us increase in holiness?
- What feelings or impressions have you experienced in sacred places?
- How can you make the most of your visits to sacred places like temples?
- What can you do to bring the feelings of holiness you experience in sacred places into your daily life?
Facing Trials and Adversities
Trials and adversities are part of our mortal experience. They can be opportunities for us to grow in holiness and faith, even though they may temporarily seem to bring pain or unhappiness.
Even the Prophet Joseph Smith faced this test. He prayed for relief when he was confined in a jail in Liberty, Missouri. He had been faithful to the Lord. He had grown in holiness. Yet he felt happiness had been denied.
That was the same instructive lesson the Lord gave Job, who paid a heavy price to allow the Atonement to make him more holy.
- How can trials and adversities help us grow in holiness?
- What lessons can we learn from the experiences of Joseph Smith and Job?
- How have you seen trials and adversities in your life contribute to your spiritual growth?
- What steps can you take to maintain faith and holiness during challenging times?
Daily Repentance and Holiness
Daily repentance is a key principle in becoming more holy. It allows us to change, grow spiritually, and become more like Jesus Christ. This process of becoming more pure and holy brings joy and happiness.
Greater holiness will not come simply by asking for it. It will come by doing what is needed for God to change us.
Experience the strengthening power of daily repentance—of doing and being a little better each day.
- Why is daily repentance important in becoming more holy?
- How does repentance lead to joy and happiness?
- How can you incorporate daily repentance into your life?
- What changes have you noticed in your life as you have repented and striven to become more holy?
The Journey Towards Greater Holiness
The journey towards greater holiness is a lifelong process. It involves faith in Jesus Christ, obedience, repentance, receiving sacred ordinances, and keeping our covenants. As we strive to become more holy, we can experience greater happiness and peace.
Whatever our personal circumstance, wherever we may be on the covenant path home, may our prayers for greater holiness be answered. I know that as our petition is granted, our happiness will increase.
How do we achieve spirituality? How do we attain that degree of holiness where we can have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost? How do we come to view and evaluate things of this world with the perspective of eternity?
- What are some steps we can take on our journey towards greater holiness?
- How does this journey lead to greater happiness and peace?
- What are some specific ways you can strive for greater holiness in your life?
- How have you seen your efforts to become more holy bring greater happiness and peace into your life?
