The Lord’s plan is a plan of happiness, Elder Arnulfo Valenzuela of the Presidency of the Seventy testified to college students in his devotional address on Tuesday, February 17.
“The Lord has provided everything for us to be happy,” he declared.
Elder Valenzuela used several scriptures from 2 Nephi 5 to show how the Nephites, who “lived in the manner of happiness” (v. 27), provide a pattern for people today to live happier lives.
Seeking happiness
2 Nephi chapter 5 describes how Nephi and some of his family separated from the Lamanites. “The Nephites found happiness by leaving their familiar surroundings, just as many of us have,” Elder Valenzuela said.
The elder Valenzuela, who is originally from Mexico, said that while he and his wife live in Salt Lake City, much of his family still lives in Mexico. “Separation from loved ones, culture, and customs is difficult, but it is a sacrifice we make for spiritual and secular growth,” Elder Valenzuela said.
Like many Ensign College students from over 80 countries, Nephi and his peers were in a period of transition. But, Elder Valenzuela noted, they were guided by believing in “the warnings and revelations of God” (v. 6).
“The teachings of living prophets and apostles are essential to achieving happiness,” Elder Valenzuela said, echoing a message shared by BYU President Dallin H. Oaks and an invitation to join the Institutes of the Prophets at a recent worldwide devotion for young adults.
The Institute played an important role in the conversion of his wife, Sister Pilar Valenzuela, and her three brothers many years ago. “So don’t hesitate to invite your friends to institute,” Elder Valenzuela said, adding President Oaks’ blessing. “I promise that your time at the Institute will bring you the peace and joy of the Savior and the love of God.”
true prosperity
Verse 10 says that the Nephites “kept the judgments and the commandments and the commandments of the Lord in all things.”
Latter-day Saints strive to keep temple and baptismal covenants by obeying the Lord’s judgments, statutes, and commandments, observing the law of chastity, paying tithing and fast offerings, fasting monthly, and observing all other commandments, Elder Valenzuela said.
“Remember that the commandments are not on a restaurant menu. . . . They are given to us to keep and strive to live each one of them.”
In verse 11, Nephi says, “We prospered greatly because the Lord was with us.”
Elder Valenzuela said: “True prosperity is not material, but first spiritual.”
The Nephites made sure to take the brass plates with them (verse 12). “Nephi had just fled from danger and started a new life, and what did he bring with him? Scripture. Scripture is not optional,” Elder Valenzuela said. “As you enter new stages in life, such as attending college, serving a mission, or starting a career, they are essential for spiritual stability. God’s Word must be with you. You may move to a new campus, a new culture, a new environment, but your spiritual foundation must travel with you.”
Elder Valenzuela continued that Nephi also brought with him the Liahona, which represented personal revelation. “Personal revelation is needed in a chaotic world. Small daily spiritual habits can point you in the right direction.”
Verse 14 records how the Nephites made many swords “so that the Lamanites should not come against us and destroy us.”
People today may not be able to wield swords or spears in a chaotic battlefield, but they must put on “the whole armor of God,” Elder Valenzuela said. “These weapons are used in our hearts, mouths, and movements for the sake of truth, righteousness, faith, prayer, and the works of God. Every right thought, word, and deed is a victory for the Lord. Standing firmly on the Lord’s side is especially valuable today.”
The Nephites were also industrious, working with their hands and building a temple “after the manner of the temple of Solomon” (see verses 15-17).
“Seeking knowledge, both spiritual and temporal, is part of becoming like our Heavenly Father,” Elder Valenzuela said. “We are not just students getting a degree. We are eternal learners. Education is not separate from faith. It is an expression of faith.”
Elder Valenzuela also encouraged listeners to keep a current temple recommend and choose one of the “beautiful” temples nearby and “go there as much as your circumstances allow.”
“The Book of Mormon is a miracle. It has been a miracle in my life. It is a true book. I love that book.”
