In his talk “The Great Plan of Happiness” Elder Marcus B Nash speaks of the importance of living the gospel. He begins by stating the importance of having the Holy Ghost as your companion. He then shares a story about the first time that he went fishing. He tells us that his father told him the importance of setting the hook in the fish’s mouth by jerking back after the fish has taken the bait. He learned that day two lessons that a fish is uncomfortable out of water and that the danger of the bait.
Elder Nash goes on to say that while a fish is uncomfortable outside of the water, so are we if we choose to not live the gospel. He says:
“Note that to be without God in the world—in other words, to refuse to live His gospel and therefore lack the companionship of the Spirit—is to be in a state contrary to the nature of happiness. The gospel of Jesus Christ is, in fact, the—note that this is singular, meaning it is the only—”great plan of happiness” (Alma 42:8). If you opt for any other way of life or try to live only the parts of the gospel that seem convenient, such a choice will cheat you of the full, resplendent joy and happiness for which you were designed by our loving Father in Heaven and His Son.”
Elder Nash then goes on to speak about the different lures that Satan offers to us. He speaks of the importance of not even touching the unclean things so that you are not taken into Satan’s trap. He speaks specifically of the dangers of inappropriate media.
Elder Nash then goes on to speak about how we each have the opportunity to repent because of the Savior’s atonement. He shares that true repentance involves changing your life completely. This change is possible as you strive to exercise the Atonement in your life.
Elder Nash ends his talk by sharing that the Lord wants us to live His gospel so that we can have happiness. The Savior also wants us to know that we can repent when we need to, so that we can return to live with Him. Elder Nash challenges us to live the gospel and repent as necessary so that we can be truly happy.
This is good talk that points out the peace that the gospel and the Atonement can bring to each of us. I know that living the gospel does bring peace to your life. I hope that you will take the time to read this talk.
Related Articles:
General Conference: “Repentance, a Blessing of Membership”
General Conference: “The Great Plan of Happiness”
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