"Much of life's disappointment comes from looking beyond the mark, from seeking success and happiness where it cannot be found. When wealth, position, influence, and power become measures of success in life, we should not be disappointed when their attainment does not produce the satisfaction and blessings promised for fulfillment of the commandments of the Lord.
"The Savior declared as His work and glory 'to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.' (Moses 1:39) He enthroned love for one another, service to a neighbor, and building the kingdom of God for His glory and majesty as noble worthy goals that produce rewards beyond all power of expression." - Elder Richard G. Scott
My cell phone contract is up to be renewed. Because of this, my carrier is doing everything it can to sell me on the latest and greatest phone so that my life can be complete. I will admit that I am a bit of a sucker for this, and that being able to search the web or get my e-mail on my phone is a draw, but as I have been considering my options, I am bothered by two facts. First, in order to get the latest and greatest phone at a price that I have to commit myself to that company for two years. Failure to keep that commitment will cost me a great deal of money - far more, in fact, than the full price of the phone. The second thing is that no matter how new my phone is, within a matter of weeks it will be outdated and inferior to the latest offering. If I allow it, then, having a phone can become a constant battle of trying to avoid becoming ensnared by the cell phone company while trying to keep up with technology.
I think that Elder Scott's quote describes the problem quite clearly. It is easy to be caught up in the things of the world, but in order for them to bring us the happiness we so deeply crave, we must extend ourselves further and further, essentially making constant investments in things which "moth and dust doth corrupt." If we invest our energies in following the example of the Savior, however, and seek to help those around us instead of serving our own whims, today as well as in the end, we will enjoy true happiness.
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