2 Nephi 5:10,16,26-27 - Lived After the Manner of Happiness

“10 And we did observe to keep the judgments, and the statutes, and the commandments of the Lord in all things, according to the law of Moses.

16 And I, Nephi, did build a temple; and I did construct it after the manner of the temple of Solomon save it were not built of so many precious things; for they were not to be found upon the land, wherefore, it could not be built like unto Solomon’s temple. But the manner of the construction was like unto the temple of Solomon; and the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine.

26 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did consecrate Jacob and Joseph, that they should be priests and teachers over the land of my people.

27 And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness.”

        In 2 Nephi chapter 5, the reader sees the split of Lehi’s family and the formation of the famous dichotomy of the Nephites and the Lamanities. Nephi gives us a brief history of some of the actions his people took once they were separated. In the culmination of these righteous actions Nephi then declares that his family “lived after the manner of happiness.” This search for happiness is easily one of the most sought-after states of being that humans desire. Upon a closer inspection of this chapter, we can see what led Nephi and his people to become happy.

       In verse 10, Nephi explains that his family “did observe to keep the judgments and the statutes and the commandments of the Lord in all things.” Thus, we see that if we follow God’s commands in all faucets of our lives, we, too, can be happier and “prosper exceedingly” like Nephi’s people did. Of course, one’s own dedication to obedience does not necessarily negate all trials and hardships in life. However, we have been given the promise that as we strive to become more like God and accept His plan for us, everything ultimately will work out.

       Another principle of happiness we observe is found in verse 16 where Nephi “did build a temple…after the manner of the temple of Solomon.” Even though they had been recently relocated to a new place, Nephi’s people demonstrated their love of God by immediately building a new temple where they can worship. This shows that temple worship allows one to find more joy in their life. In connecting that to the modern day, the Saints today should strive to include visits to the temple in their routines.

       The last principle of happiness creation is found in verse 26 where we see that Nephi “did consecrate Jacob and Joseph…[to] be priests and teachers.” It is clear here that the Priesthood and the ordination of it is important. Through the blessings of the Priesthood power, Nephi and his people felt closer to God and made sacred covenants.

       We see that through commandment keeping, temple building, and Priesthood power, one can attain happiness in this life. As we strive to follow Nephi and his example we, too, can develop a strong relationship with God.