We live in a world of instant gratification and pleasure. The law of moral ethics that once were prominent in our society have begun a steep process of decay. The line that distinguished what is right and what is wrong has become hidden with gray. We can see the disturbing effects of it as good has become bad, and bad has become good. As predicted by Book of Mormon prophets, we have many voices that are competing for our attention. "Yea, and there shall be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us. And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God." (2 Nephi 28:7-8) We are being deceived by these lies that we can be happy by just breaking the commandments a little. However, no matter what the world says, "wickedness never was happiness." (Alma 41:10)
It is sometimes very easy to give into the temptations and become part of the enticings of the world. However, we can find great hope in a scripture found in 1 Corinthians 10:13, "God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able [to bear.]" He will provide a way for all of us to escape the temptations and the false happiness of the world. He has given us the ability to choose for our selves which path we will take in this life.
Our own bad choices cause us grief and places heavy burdens on our shoulders. However, as we strive to consistently keep our Heavenly Father's commandments we can be freed from the burdens of guilt and shame. We have the choice. "Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself. And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit." (2 Nephi 2:27 & 28)
"And now, verily I say unto you, and what I say unto one I say unto all, be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you; And inasmuch as you have humbled yourselves before me, the blessings of the kingdom are yours." (D&C 61:36 & 37)
Christ has prepared a way for us to follow. "Enter ye in at the strait gate; for strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there be that find it; but wide is the gate, and broad the way which leads to death, and many there be that travel therein, until the night cometh, wherein no man can work." (3 Nephi 27:33) His mission in life was to pave this course for us to follow. Instant gratification and pleasure is opposed to God's plan, and they do not compare to the real joy that comes with a peace of mind, and the feeling of being spiritually clean. Look unto Christ, follow His course, keep His commandments, and then you will find true happiness. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
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