True Happiness

This weekend has been jammed packed with spiritual insights from General Conference.  For the first time in my life I was able to attend Conference at the Conference Center in SLC and that was an amazing experience.

One of the many amazing talks that I heard that really stuck out to me was by M. Joseph Brough of the Young Men’s General Presidency.  He spoke of guidance, counseling and guiding the youth of the church to understand the world.  He emphasized in a scripture that really hit me hard, Alma 41:10.  The last part of the scripture is what I want to focus on.  It reads:

“Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness.”

It is such a simple phrase, “wickedness never was happiness.”  One that we have heard numberless times as members of the church.  Yet when he talked on this topic it took on a more significant meaning.  To me it teaches the principle that we will never reach a fullness of happiness or joy as long as we are disobeying the Lord.  No matter how big or small our disobedience is, we will not come to be truly happy.

He focuses on how parents and leaders of the youth need to teach them this principle through various methods.  A few he listed were, to let them be around you to see your example, connect them to heaven, and let them lead.

I currently am not in a position to teach the youth, but I am still fortifying my own personal testimony.  I then began to ponder on my own life.  What makes ME really happy?  What brings me true joy?  What are my true desires in life?  Are they uplifting?  As I pursue these things am I being 100% obedient?

After a personal examination I found some things that I can improve.  I asked myself if I have non disposition to do evil, or do I find pleasure in things in contrary to the Lord's will.  Obviously the natural man is part of this mortal existence, but I grew in my desire to do what will bring me lasting happiness.  I know I or anyone will never reach perfection in this life, but this scripture and talk do not only apply to the youth of the church but to each of us.

Wickedness didn’t bring happiness to those in The Book of Mormon, and will continue to drag us down more and more as we give in to temptations.  I found new found power and resilience to follow more closely the Savior's example as I read and pondered this scripture.