President Dieter F. Uchtdorf on the pursuit of holiness and happiness

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (born November 6, 1940) served as a Seventy from 1994-2004, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve.  He has served as second counselor in the First Presidency since 2008.

"Declaring our testimony of the gospel is good, but being a living example of the restored gospel is better. Wishing to be more faithful to our covenants is good; actually being faithful to sacred covenants—including living a virtuous life, paying our tithes and offerings, keeping the Word of Wisdom, and serving those in need—is much better. Announcing that we will dedicate more time for family prayer, scripture study, and wholesome family activities is good; but actually doing all these things steadily will bring heavenly blessings to our lives.

"Discipleship is the pursuit of holiness and happiness. It is the path to our best and happiest self.

"Let us resolve to follow the Savior and work with diligence to become the person we were designed to become. Let us listen to and obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit. As we do so, Heavenly Father will reveal to us things we never knew about ourselves. He will illuminate the path ahead and open our eyes to see our unknown and perhaps unimagined talents.

"The more we devote ourselves to the pursuit of holiness and happiness, the less likely we will be on a path to regrets. The more we rely on the Savior’s grace, the more we will feel that we are on the track our Father in Heaven has intended for us."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Of Regrets and Resolutions," General Conference October 2012; see Ensign, November 2012, pp. 21-24
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I was fascinated by President Uchtdorf's explanation in the first paragraph about things that are good, and things that are better.  Having goals and intentions, or declaring our willingness or belief, is one thing; but to truly follow through and act on them, demonstrate them in our lives is so much more important and powerful!

Being a disciple, then, is not just accepting a set of beliefs. It is acting on them—the real "pursuit of holiness" in our lives. And that is truly the path to happiness in life as well. As we follow the Savior in action and lifestyle, we receive more spiritual assistance, and find greater peace and happiness in our life, and will eliminate regrets.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)