MR says: Are there ways we could be sabotaging our own happiness without even realizing it?
We want what God wants because what God wants for all of His Children is that we experience joy not only here in mortality but for eternity. Adam taught that “men are, that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25) – might. Joy does not come through external demands, circumstances, or other individuals. Joy is a personal choice to claim. Learning to trust God and turn our will over to His is the great test of this life – and trust me, it is a test – with joy as its great reward!
Consider some of the more recent attacks against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – many emanate from individuals’ desires in opposition to the organizational structure and/or it’s teachings and doctrines. All are vulnerable to the natural man within, who tends to insist on having things his or her way, thinking we know what is best. President Ezra Taft Benson explained it best: “Pride is the great stumbling block to Zion” (Ezra Taft Benson, “Beware of Pride,” Apr. 1989 General Conference).
Pride is a stumbling block because it blinds us to knowing how to experience joy.
The central feature of pride is enmity—enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen. Enmity means “hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition.” It is the power by which Satan wishes to reign over us.