In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. - John 16:33In his April 1979 general conference address, Elder Howard W. Hunter of the Council of the Twelve spoke of the happiness that comes through obeying the Lord's commandments. He quoted the Prophet Joseph Smith: "Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God." (History of the Church, 5:134-35.)
Elder Hunter said, "The place to begin is here. The time to start is now. The length of our stride need be but one step at a time. God, who has `designed our happiness,' will lead us along even as little children, and we will by that process approach perfection.
"None of us has attained perfection or the zenith of spiritual growth that is possible in mortality. Every person can and must make spiritual progress. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the divine plan for that spiritual growth eternally. It is more than a code of ethics. It is more than an ideal social order. It is more than positive thinking about self-improvement and determination. The gospel is the saving power of the Lord Jesus Christ with His priesthood and sustenance and with the Holy Spirit."