Finding Purpose and Meaning in Our Lives

In the pre-existence as spirit children, we made the decision in a heavenly council to follow Heavenly Father’s plan. We were given a Savior, Jesus Christ, whose atonement would provide resurrection for all. We are forever in debt to Jesus Christ, our Savior and our Redeemer. Many spirit children supported Satan and his plan, and they were expelled from the presence of God. In our day, Satan continues to lead his followers into sin.

The first commandment given to Adam and Eve was to multiply and replenish the earth. (Genesis 1:28, Abraham 4:28) Gaining a body is an important part of God’s plan and enables us to progress and find meaning in our life. Raising families can be challenging at times but is a divine source of learning and fulfillment.

Heavenly Father wants all His children to have joy in their lives. The plan of salvation provides the perfect way for happiness. In Moses 5:11, Eve gladly proclaimed, “Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient.” In today’s world, happiness is often misunderstood. The gospel of Jesus Christ opens a clearer perspective.

While technology has advanced beyond what anyone could have imagined, many people feel disoriented by these improvements. Some individuals excessively use technology and ignore more important things such as family and spirituality. The term happiness is often used, but it appears to have lost its meaning. While many people believe that riches determine happiness, we know that true joy comes from love and righteous living.

While studying some economic data, I read that people often experience an increase in happiness when they engage in group activities. They converse together, assist each other and enjoy companionship. I realized that contentment and peace of mind depend on a person’s righteous focus and a desire to include others. To me, it is a “family effort” that requires everyone’s participation.

Developing an eternal perspective will transform our lives and bring us closer to God. Sometimes individuals are mainly concerned about building earthly wealth. In our lives, we should prioritize building spiritual wealth for this life and our next life. Embracing an eternal perspective will transform our lives and bring us closer to God. The Savior taught that we should not lay up treasures on earth but should lay up treasures in heaven. (Mathew 6:19-21)

In my life, happiness is not just about earthly life but more importantly involves having an eternal outlook and connecting with something bigger. I believe that happiness is meant to lead us to a higher goal of following the Lord’s counsel. From the words of our prophets and the Lord, we learn to comprehend the plan of happiness and, as a result, experience greater joy. When our lives are centered on Jesus Christ and His teachings, our joy increases. Consider the lives you may have impacted because of your actions and way of life. We must motivate and encourage others to come to Jesus Christ to comprehend God’s purpose and His love for everyone. We are the means through which God’s plan of joy can spread to our family, friends and neighbors.

When our family went together to the Bangkok temple this year, I gained a stronger understanding that finding purpose and peace in our lives has everything to do with our connection to our Savior. In the temple, I felt that genuine love and joy would guide our family to find our eternal purpose. Being in the temple with my family was one of the most memorable and spiritual times of my life. As we performed temple ordinances, we could feel the Lord’s love. President Nelson stated, “Nothing will help you more to hold fast to the iron rod than worshipping in the temple as regularly as your circumstances permit.” (“Rejoice in the Gift of Priesthood Keys,” Liahona, May 2024, 122) To achieve God’s plan of happiness and to keep our temple covenants, we must use our time and abilities to build up the kingdom of God which will enable us to enter His eternal kingdom.

I have a testimony that Jesus Christ is the Redeemer and Savior of this world and the only begotten Son of God. We are saved through Him. ■