Men Are That They Might Have Joy

One of my favorite scriptures since childhood is “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25).  There is depth to this message for this scripture helps us understand that The Fall was more than a mistake.  The Fall was meant to be.  When Adam chose the apple, he also chose for us to receive our bodies which is a major step towards God’s work and glory of Eternal Life for each of us (Moses 1:39). 

The part that most resonates with me is knowing that “men are that they might have joy.” We were created, because Adam and Eve ate the apple, that we might be happy.  No, not just happy.  We are to have joy.  What is the difference between having joy and being happy? 

Joy is considered a primary emotion, meaning it is a natural first response to a situation.  It is a core emotion.  Think about the Pixar movie Inside-Out where each character is a primary emotion, joy, anger, fear, sadness, and disgust, but happiness is considered a secondary emotion.  Joy and happiness have been compared as such:

                Joy is Constant                                  Happiness is Temporary

                Joy is Internal                                    Happiness is External

                Joy is Unconditional                         Happiness is Conditional

                Joy Comes from God                        Happiness Comes from Environment

A quote I ran into a quote from Elise M. Boulding, a Quaker and sociologist, put it together perfectly, “For the real difference between happiness and joy is that one is grounded in this world, the other eternity.  Happiness cannot encompass suffering and evil.  Joy can.  Happiness depends on the present.  Joy leaps into the future and triumphantly creates a new present out of it.” Thus, joy is a mind-set which God has already given to us when he sent us to the earth. Happiness is still something we need to strive for.  As a secondary emotion, it is conditioned.

There are many references in the scriptures referring to happiness, joy, cheer, etc.  Think the Plan of Happiness.  “Lift up your head and be of good cheer” (3 Nephi 1:13), “Let us cheerfully do all things” (D&C 123:17), and “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine” (Proverbs 17:22). President Nelson spoke of joy when he said, “When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation .. and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening – or not happening – in our lives.  Joy comes from and because of Him. … For Latter-day Saints, Jesus Christ is joy!” 

During this Super Lent, where we have given up much, including Prom, graduation, school, work, sports, temple attendance, movie theaters, getting our nails done, friends, hugs, and hopefully not toilet paper; we need to look at all we have been given, such as time with our family, an opportunity to realize what is truly important, sacrament at home, continued revelation, more time for study and reflection, rest, and so much more we might not yet realize.  May we choose happiness and accept the gift of joy we have been given from a loving Heavenly Father.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.