Are you happy? I mean really – are you happy? And even more importantly, do you know how to be? I don't think I have ever met a person who didn't want to be happier than they [he] already were [was]. The problem is I’m not sure too many people know how. Now as far as I know, the Savior only mentioned happiness once in the New Testament, but in that story I found a great key – a key to happiness. If you don’t mind, I would like to share it with you.

It was the last night of the Savior's life. Ironically, it was that night of the dark and depressing spirit that led Him to Gethsemane.

He and the Twelve Apostles are gathered in the Upper Chamber to partake of the Passover meal. And then during the course of the meal, the Savior rises unexpectedly from the table, removes His outer garments, wraps a towel around His waist, and after the manner of a common household slave, and with a basin of water and a towel, He bows to wash the dusty feet of the Apostles. He comes to Peter. Peter realizes what the Savior is about to do, and he protests: "Thou shalt never wash my feet!"

Peter must have felt it beneath the Savior’s dignity to perform such a lowly and menial service. But the Savior explained to him, "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me" (John 13:8). Well at that point, Jesus moves around the table washing the dusty feet of each apostle with "thoughtful concern for significant details." (Elder David B. Haight, Ensign November 1989, p. 60).

He comes to Judas, that offended, murderous, and conspiring Apostle, knowing full well what is in that man’s heart, and yet the Savior with equal love and tenderness removes Judas’ sandals – and washes the dirt of Bethany's road from his feet.

When the Master finishes, He then teaches the Apostles that they too should follow His example, and humble themselves even as He has done and be a servant – not a master – a servant for those they are to lead, even and perhaps especially for their enemies. And then He gave them this significant promise on this significant night: "if ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." (John 13:17)

In other words, my dear friends, to serve is to be happy. It wasn't material possessions that brought happiness to the Apostles. They left all of that behind. It wasn't looking out for their own lives that was going to bring them happiness. They gave their lives looking out for the Lord's sheep. In short, by them giving up what the world said would bring happiness, peace, and power, they gained all three – and they gained it forever.

My friends, if you would be happy, go and do likewise.