If a person can be happy without the gospel, then what's the use?

A woman's siblings and all her children left the church.

They say they are happier now.

She watches them and they seem to be happy.

She is not so happy, and yet she's trying to keep the commandments,

unlike her friends and family.

What would you say? It should not be surprising that when people shed the high expectations

of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, they feel free, and yes, even a temporary sense of

happiness on an easier path.

Happiness is not the exclusive domain of active contributing members of the church.

Joy, however, is another matter. The Prophet Joseph Smith said, happiness is the object and design of our existence.

And we'll be the end thereof if we pursue the path that leads to it.

And this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments

of God.

Hello, my name is Larry Corbridge and welcome back.

This is Episode 11 of the Stand

Forever series. In the last episode we considered purpose, direction and destination,

and concluded that the destination you were born to reach is to choose to receive the gift of God's son,

the gift of God's spirit, and the gift of God's life, and help others do the same.

But what about happiness and joy?

Aren't they the ultimate objective?

Some scriptural and prophetic statements certainly suggest happiness and joy are an important

...