Elder Larry R. Lawrence, of the Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered the Devotional address Tuesday in the Marriott Center. In his address, Elder Lawrence pointed to four practices that can lead us to greater happiness here on earth.
"I am convinced that more than anything else, our Heavenly Father wants his children to be happy," said Lawrence. "Happiness is the purpose of our existence."
Here are some highlights from Elder Lawrence's talk, which can be streamed on BYUtv.org.
1. Expressing Gratitude
"The theme of gratitude has been addressed by every latter-day prophet – and more often than almost any other topic. Our inspired leaders know that being grateful leads to happiness, and they are compelled to remind us. In the scriptures, we are commanded to 'thank the Lord in all things,' and that means to thank him for trials as well as for obvious blessings. If we look close enough, we discover that there is always something to be grateful for."
2. Looking for and Praising the Good in Others
"An excellent way to express gratitude is by giving sincere praise. Praise lifts both the giver and the receiver... If we truly want to emulate the Lord, we need to be looking for the good in others and then voicing it... Praise is a precious gift that costs the giver nothing. So if you see something, say something.
"When we point out the good in others, the Holy Ghost helps us discover the good in ourselves and everybody wins... Even when a compliment comes from a complete stranger, it can make your whole day."
3. Reaching Out to Those Who Need a Friend
"Latter-day Saints, who are guided by the Spirit, should be the most congenial people on Earth. I hope the BYU campus reflects that some spirit of friendliness. Every student should feel welcome here, while at the same time going out of his way to welcome others. It takes very little effort to say, 'Hello,' but whenever you do, you make the world a better place."
4. Don't Let Satan Discourage You
"The devil specializes in discouraging the faithful and those who are trying to repent. For that very reason, Church members must continually lift and encourage each other... Jesus votes for us, Satan votes against us, and we cast the deciding vote. It is my prayer that each of us will use our agency to choose happiness."
Next Devotional: Jennifer Rockwood, BYU Women's Soccer Head Coach
The next Devotional address will be held on Tuesday, March 15, at 11:05 a.m., in the Marriott Center. BYU Women's Soccer Head Coach Jennifer Rockwood will give the Devotional address. Her remarks will be broadcast live on BYUtv, BYUtv.org, KBYU-TV 11, Classical 89 FM, BYU Radio.
