President Henry B. Eyring on finding happiness through holiness

President Henry B. Eyring (born May 31, 1933) served in the Presiding Bishopric from 1985-1992, as a Seventy from 1992-1995, then was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He has served in the First Presidency since 2007.

"[Lasting happiness] 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. It was so called by the prophet Alma as he taught his son, who was mired in the misery of sin. Alma knew that wickedness could never be happiness for his son—or for any child of Heavenly Father.

"He taught his son that increasing in holiness was the only path to happiness. He made it plain that greater holiness is made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ cleansing and perfecting us. Only by faith in Jesus Christ, continuing repentance, and keeping covenants are we able to claim the lasting happiness we all yearn to experience and retain.

"My prayer for today is that I may help you understand that greater happiness comes from greater personal holiness so that you will act upon that belief. I will then share what I know for myself about what we can do to qualify for that gift of becoming ever more holy.

"The scriptures teach us that among other things, we can be sanctified or become more holy when we exercise faith in Christ, demonstrate our obedience, repent, sacrifice for Him, receive sacred ordinances, and keep our covenants with Him. Qualifying for the gift of holiness requires humility, meekness, and patience."

- Henry B. Eyring, "Holiness and the Plan of Happiness," General Conference October 2019, Sunday afternoon

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In this life, perhaps the greatest quest we have is the search for happiness. The thought of lasting happiness is a beautiful one, certainly a goal every thoughtful child of our Father in Heaven would aspire to. President Eyring teaches that the "plan of happiness" described in the Book of Mormon is the way to obtain that divine gift. Holiness and happiness are inextricably linked. The plan of happiness, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, is the way we individually and collectively can increase in holiness.

We must each commit to take the steps that bring more holiness to our personal life. The process of sanctification is how we draw on the grace of God to draw near to Him and become more holy. The promises are real, and lasting happiness truly is available to each one who follows the path that leads to it.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2020)