Within Reach

by Robert L. Millet

Book by Millet, Robert L.

Genres: Lds, Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Church

118 pages, Hardcover

First published November 9, 2010

About the author

Robert L. Millet, professor of ancient scripture and former dean of Religious Education at Brigham Young University, holds a master s degree in psychology from BYU and a Ph.D. in religious studies from Florida State University. He is a popular speaker and prolific writer whose other books include Lost and Found: Reflections on the Prodigal Son; Grace Works; and More Holiness Give Me. He and his wife, Shauna, have six children and live in Provo, Utah.

Reviews

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was a student at Brigham Young University, I was lucky enough to have Robert Millet as a religion professor. I believe I had two classes with him.

I like the concept here, helping people to realize that more of us will obtain salvation than we realize. It's a concept/doctrine taught by Joseph Smith, and lost over the years. It was nice to see the return to this, helping people to realize that perfection is not possible in this life, but so long as we are actively on that pathway, things will work out.

There were sometimes that his style seemed a little off-putting for me, and I can't put my finger on it, having enjoyed my classes with him and found him to be a stimulating professor. I'm not quite sure how to describe it. Having said that, I believe this is a book worth reading and a doctrine worth exploring.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in a row that I've read by Robert Millet. I really like his gentle, encouraging and uplifting style. I've never met him but I imagine him to be a kind, caring and tenderhearted man. I always feel hopeful after reading one of his books.

I do think that I probably would've enjoyed his books a little more if I'd read them twenty years ago when they were first published. Most of the quotes he used I'd heard many times before. So even though I never really had that "aha" moment it was a nice refresher.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully simple and wonderfully done. Both doctrinally sound as well as practically summarized. Great Millet, understanding psychology and applying living the gospel accordingly. I want more to it since there are so many who misunderstand the basics of the gospel that help us understand that eternal salvation and perfection is within our reach if we but take the Lord's standard and not some of our own false standards as the measuring stick.

[Joe Pratt · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a pretty good book, but didn’t really share any new or extremely valuable insights. While I would recommend it to someone struggling with perfectionism - there is a decent chance it doesn’t help you feel much better. I could picture someone walking away from it still feeling burdened down by the immensity of all they have to do, feeling as hopeless as before. Still, I think it is a good place to start in overcoming an excess of self-criticism.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

We can have hope through Jesus Christ that we can make it back to Him and have glory in the eternities to come. Too often we are too hard on ourselves, through faith in our savior, we can stay on the covenant path and live with him again.
This book teaches truths that will help us gain confidence as we continue on our journey to eternal life.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so good.
If you are struggling with thoughts of imperfection, this is the book for you.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world in which we are all too often told that we don't measure up in this way or that, this little volume is a source of hope, encouragement, patience, love, and wisdom. As Brother Millett says, though we may fail in our efforts to be perfect, "we can be perfect in the sense that we do the best we can and then rely wholly on the merits and mercy of our Redeemer. That is, we can be 'perfect in Christ.'"

He quotes Bruce C. Hafen as follows, and it forms a central premise of this book: "I sense that an increasing number of deeply committed Church members are weighed down beyond the breaking point with discouragement about their personal lives. When we habitually understate the meaning of the Atonement, we take more serious risks than simply leaving one another without comforting reassurances -- for some may simply drop out of the race, worn out and beaten down with the harsh and untrue belief that they are just not celestial material."

Brother Millett adds his thoughts, that many "feel anxiety about their standing before God and wonder whether their course in life is pleasing to the heavens. And yet I notice that they seem to enjoy the gifts of the Spirit in their lives; they teach and speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; and they have sufficient faith to be healed when they are ill. I notice too that they tend to be kind, gentle, meek, and charitable. All of these things are evidence that they are on course, that they are in the line of their duty, that God is pleased."

Recommended to any who, in degree large or small, may be feeling discouraged about their efforts to please God.

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brother Millet's book conveys a message of hope to all latter-day saints who from time to time become discouraged and think they are not fit to inherit the kingdom of God, either in this life or in the eternities. He sets forth from the scriptures and from the words of latter-day apostles and prophets the exhortation to have hope and do the best you can. His basic theme (citing the words of these men of God) is that what is necessary is to sincerely enter into covenants, do the best we can to "stay on the path" and have hope. If we err, we must repent speedily and get back on the path. The Savior is willing and eager to forgive if we sincerely repent. The Father and the Son love each of us and stand by us if we earnestly do the best we can and reach out to them. I highly recommend this book.

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The full title of this books is "You're doing better than you think. Perfection is... Within Reach". It's a feel good book, but it's not fluffy. I hate fluffy.

Millet spends a lot of time showing how some spiritual states are not only a final condition, but a PROCESS that we can start (and sometimes finish) in this life: justification, sanctification, being redeemed, entering the rest of the Lord, being saved and becoming perfect. Great information and insights.

[Regan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple little book. It starts with the idea that heaven may be more populated than we sometimes think and then goes through what this idea means in our daily lives. It does a good job of encouraging optimism and hope while reinforcing the importance of spiritual living.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert L. Millet is one of my favorite authors and individuals! This
book is a vision that we "can make it!" Jesus is our Savior, and he
not only can save us but he yearns to do so. He loves us one and all.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderful for any LDS person who worries about whether they are good enough to make it into the Celestial Kingdom.

[Shellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives one hope.

[Ernie Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really nice book.

[Martha Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Bryan Skelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uplifting. "No one has been sent to earth who does not have the capacity to return to God honorably."

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

(audio).

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Validation that we're all gonna make it if our hearts are pure!

[angelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational -- fosters hope!

[Kaylynn Johnsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hopeful book, filled with helpful quotes and positive messages.