Men of Valor: The Powerful Impact of a Righteous Man

by Robert L. Millet

Each righteous priesthood holder has the potential to make an enormous difference — in his family, in the community, and in the Church. Men of Valor uplifts and encourages the men of the Church, reminding them of their importance, while cautioning them not to be too hard on themselves. Most actively engaged Latter-day Saints are doing better than they give themselves credit for, even as they strive to make important improvements. The book reminds readers that every man who leads his family in righteousness can have a powerful leavening effect on a society whose moral values are rapidly eroding. Men will appreciate the call to purify their lives, to set themselves apart from things of worldliness, and to become a royal priesthood and a holy nation.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Spirituality, Church, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Inspirational

145 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

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

[Taressa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this was written for men I found it deeply touched me and I learned a great deal about my role as well. It reminded me that more valiant men and women are needed and what is required to reach that level!

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was amazing. And while it was written for a male audience, i found i learned a lot that could help me in my life as a woman. I thought it had some interesting ways of looking at various principles. I had never thought of them that way before, and it was really helpful.

[Peter Wolfley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know this is going to come off as bragging but Brother Millet is in our ward and I loved reading this book because I could hear him saying so many of the lines. Especially the funny ones. It was like an audiobook inside the mind.

Ever since Elder Christoffersons talk about what it means to be a real man in a gospel sense, I’ve been extra keen on finding examples and teachings on that topic. This book and the entire series is exactly what I was looking for to help push my understanding forward.

[McKay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very well written and thoughtful book and is a good read for any man that wants to take a hard look at his life and be inspired to be a little better and strive to be more Christ-like in every aspect of life. Some of it is a little hard to swallow, but a good reality check for all of us to continue to be better.

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books by Robert Millet, but this is definitely one of my favorites by him. It talks about the need for valiant, strong, committed, and righteous men, but the things he talks about apply to women as well. I got so much out of this book.

[Talia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book for my husband but I ended up reading it first!! I just applied into a womens life and it was FABULOUS!!! GREAT GREAT BOOK!! Really motivating, easy to read!!

[Aaron Riddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book and plan on reading more of Millet's work in the future. This book, in particular, is talking about the responsibility and influence Melchezidich priesthood holders have in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Millet provides personal stories and many quotes from scriptures and General Authorities to explain further and strengthen his points. The amount of content in this book is absolutely immaculate and I connected to a lot of it on a personal and spiritual level. Some of the stories that are shared in this text are very emotional and add a lot more meaning to the author's points. Also, the way that Millet includes these stories is done to perfection. He is able to include them flawlessly and in the perfect place to add that much more emphasis. One topic that I kept coming across while reading was the topic of service. Millet made it very clear that it is very important to serve others through the power and love of our Heavenly Father. He also made it apparent that we should "have no desire whatsoever to be popular, only righteous." This means that we should be committing acts of service for the point of service, not to be praised or to receive some type of reward, only for the reason of serving others.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millet is one of my favorite LDS authors. Listening to his voice reminds me of my young adult years when he was my families bishop, home teacher and one of my religion teachers at BYU. One of the stories that he told in this book of a faithful High Priest from his ward that had cancer who the ward did a special fast for, I believe, was one of my former bishops and a boss and neighbor that I had in my youth.

I loved this short, packed with "golden nuggets" book of what it means to be one of the "examples of the believers". This is not just for men, it's for everyone!

In the chapter TREADING WHERE HIS FEET HAVE TROD I loved his discussion on agency and the quotes from Joseph F. Smith and Joseph Fielding Smith.

[Natalie Olsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

“…invite the children of God to come unto Christ.”

“…to magnify a calling is to hold it up in dignity and importance, that the light of heaven may shine through one’s performance to the gaze of other men.”

Assume the best, respond with love

An Elder’s Quorum:
a class
a service agency
a brotherhood
-should be a school of the prophets

Come to know Him
Come to know about Him
Love Him
Faith in Christ and who He is
Serve Him

Be righteous in the dark

Things we cannot solve, we must survive

Be willing to be inconvenienced

Jesus went about doing good, so must we

Jesus = light, life, love

Purity of hand, heart, and mind

“Thy will be done”

…put you where you can do the greatest good

[Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes its first five chapter titles from the LDS Hymn no. 324 "Rise Up, O Men of God!" and reminds me definitely of my youthful experiences with stake priesthood meetings in the Kolob and Springville Stakes. How I loved to be there with my Dad! And how those men did sing! I hope to pass the book along to one of my posterity who will be inspired like I was inspired. The book must have been a gift from years ago; the dust jacket is gone. I casually pulled it off the shelf for a quick read -- for which I am indeed very grateful.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

It wasn't my favorite read due to me expecting the book to be written differently. A good portion of it are just his opinions and thoughts. Sometimes it was difficult to figure out how what he was saying related to the topic. With all that aside, there was a lot of good information and things to take note of. There were plenty of things to make me think. I plan to go through it another time, knowing the format of the book and expect to enjoy it more.

[David Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

There has never been a time when it was more needed for men to be men and to be men of integrity and valor. This book is a wonderful read and helps all men to realize their divine potential to be good men of God. I wish all men would read this book!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listen to this, and regretted it because there were so many times I wanted to highlight and make notes in the margins. Driving and listening didn't allow for this. I will likely read it again in paper form.

[BenJoe Markland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a great book on what we can become as men

I read this once nearly 15 years ago when I was first called to serve in a bishopric, it has new special meaning to me now as I have learned what it means to truly be a man of the priesthood.

[Stephan van Velzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pretty good little book with a good message told through tons of amazing stories.

[Seth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, quick read with a few good insights and some good commentary.

[Viwe Xozwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing the book, I just sat there in silence because I knew I had completed an extraordinary book. I can never be the same again. My reading of this book has been a special moment in time.

[Rachelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and the ideas in it. I know it is a book written for men, but there were lots of ideas that I found I wanted to implement in my life to be a better person.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had many stories that inspired me to be a better person and try harder to better serve those around me.

[chancy Halliday · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent read. The arguments as to why men should have valor seem to be even more important today.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book with many good thoughts and quotes and ideas for living the gospel valiantly, particularly for priesthood holders leading out in righteousness, but I think there are great ideas and take aways for all of us.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes:

"The priesthood is the power and authority of God, delegated to men on earth, to act in all things pertaining to the salvation of the human family. It is God's power, loaned for a season to you and me, to make a difference in a world that desperately needs it. It is the Almighty's authorization, a divine investiture of authority, to bless people and preserve goodness and decency in our society (p. 3)."

"One of the most significant roles and offices in eternity--that of a father, that of a real man (p. 11)."

"Our omnipotent, omniscient, and omni-loving God can do far more with our lives than we can. Humility ushers us into the realm of submission and surrender. And, ironically, submission and unconditional surrender to the true Captain of our souls lead eventually to victory (p. 39)."

"'You keep and eye single to the glory of God, and you'll be successful (p. 40).'"

"For the disciple, it is the kingdom of God or nothing (p. 41)!"

"To love God with our minds is to think upon him, to seek to better comprehend his person and his nature, to strive to grasp those verities that are termed the mysteries of godliness--things that can be understood only by the power of the Holy Spirit. To love God with our minds is to become more serious students of holy scripture, to yearn to become gospel scholars, to find sheer delight in the discovery of new truths and new applications of scripture passages. To love God with our minds is to develop and maintain a curiosity about life and the cosmos, to read broadly, to learn from others who know more than we do, to open ourselves to deeper understandings, to never be static or sterile or fossilized in our faith and learning. In short, to love God with all our minds is to consecrate our thinking, reasoning, and mental capacities to Him who knows all things, to stand ready, as Peter commissioned us, to provide a reason for the hope within us (p. 42)."

"'What comes first, Church of family?' Well, doesn't the kingdom lead out? No, isn't the family the most important unit in time and eternity? The fact is, God comes first, and if we seek his will, he will make known to us what, in that specific instance, comes second (p. 44)."

"God knows where we are....And he knows what you or I need at a given time (p. 45)."

"The more we can broaden our brotherhood and sisterhood, extending it beyond those of our own faith to include noble men and women of other faiths, the better. That 'one united throng' thereby becomes a powerful and even unstoppable influence for good, a light that will shine brilliantly in a darkened world, the sound of a trumpet that is sure and certain in a warring world of competing and corrupt voices and values (p. 65)."

"There is a very real sense in which followers of the Christ do not have the right to do wrong. God is our Principal, and we are his agents. Our agency is thus defined as our commission to carry out his will in the way he wants it carried out. Or, as one verse in the Doctrine and Covenants states, 'Wherefore, as ye are agents, ye are on the Lord's errand; and whatsoever ye do according to the will of the Lord is the Lord's business (p. 69)."

"Jesus was absolutely unaffected by this world's pecking order and cared precious little for earthly applause or mortal medals. He did care--indeed, he cared deeply--about people's hearts, about what they longed for, about what they hurt over, about how they felt. Jesus' worldview was expansive enough to include any and all who chose to come unto him (p. 72)."

"No man who seeks for power in the priesthood can allow himself to 'coast' spiritually through either distraction or preoccupation with lesser things (p. 96)."

"Ours is the blessing to bless. Ours it the privilege of living in such a manner as to enjoy the love of God in our own souls and then extending that consummate endowment to others. 'Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity,' Joseph Smith taught, 'and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God. A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race (p. 99).'"

"When it doesn't matter to you anymore where you work or how you serve, God will answer your prayers and put you where you can do the greatest good (p. 109)."

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short book, with the stated goal "To Raise up Men of God." Millet takes the Priesthood Hymn "Rise up, O Men of God" and looks at each phrase and devotes a chapter to our understanding of what we need to do to be in God's good graces. Very simple with examples and personal reflections. The following are a couple quotes from the book, which help to know the flavor of the teachings.

"Jesus was downright revolutionary in the way he treated women in his day. To put it bluntly, women of the first century had little say, were seldom if ever listened to, and had few rights. Everyone understood that a woman's word could never be relied upon in a court of law. But along came Jesus, and he changed everything. He taught women, he talked to women, he ministered to women, and he was open to their adoration and worship. There is a model here for every man who has been called to bear the holy priesthood: we will know a great deal about a man's soul and about his standing before God when we know how he feels toward and treats women, especially those nearest and dearest to him. "


(He describes a time when he was consumed with working on an advanced degree, with some neglect of family) " In the years since that experience, I have reflected again and again on what I felt that evening. Maybe it was the consuming love for my family, coupled with a cold slap in the face, that awakened me momentarily. Other things over the years have served a like function. Shauna has gotten my attention occasionally when I chose to bury myself in a book and ignore the family. She has said simply: "Bob, if you're not careful, you may grow up to be a very intelligent ministering angel!" That works too! Truly, as Elder M. Russell Ballard has reminded us, "What matters most is what lasts longest, and our families are for eternity" October 2005 Conference. p. 24

I would recommend the book to men of the church. It helps me to become more grounded in knowing what I need to do and know.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. It was the only thing in the house I haven't read so I picked it up & started in on it not sure what to expect though with a title like this you can't expect anything but good ! Brother Millet did a excellent job of discussing the impact of a righteous man. However, being a woman, I just kept flipping the insight he shared to how it would & does apply to me as a woman. I loved how at the end of each chapter he kinda went over the major points he had made by asking questions. Great for any man wanting to be a more powerful force for good in his home, community, & in the kingdom of God.

[Erik Fjeldsted · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good quick read even though I think the author meant for it to be a slower more introspective type of book. Not a book that I feel like everyone should read but I think it brings up a good point about taking the lords name in vain. While yes, using it inappropriately is one way it applies but the author mentioned two others; breaking covenants done in his name or when we do something in "the name of Jesus Christ" but did not speak his guidance in doing said thing, i.e. giving a talk without really inquiring what should be said or rushing through a prayer like its the 100 meter dash.

But in summary if you can be a good person, you can be a better person.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was short (I read it in a few hours), straightforward, and insightful. As a woman, there was still plenty I could learn that will not only help me to support my man as he becomes a "man of valor" but also help me become a woman of valor. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, Men of Influence: The Potential of the Priesthood to Lift the World.

['becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

WONDERFUL book! I was grateful to learn some over-arching principles on the priesthood. I am amazed at how very much I learned from this book that I am needing to apply right now in my own life. I'm learning more about keeping covenants. There were passages that shed light on things I have experienced and am currently experiencing. A lot of things he has found to be true are things I have also found to be true. I like how he thinks!

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written to men of the Priesthood, I felt it could only do us good for me to read it as well. I hightly reccomend it to all men and women. Us sisters can better serve our husbands and help them magnify their callings as we honor them and lovingly encourage all that is good.
I especially enjoyed the questions and the end of each chapter/ It helped me to think about the topic in a more personal way.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Book! I took a class from RL Millet while I was at BYU, a New Testament class. He is a great teacher and has the ability to convey a principle that is easily understood and retained. This book speaks in depth on the priesthood, and how men should live to be worthy of that priesthood. Very moving.

[Jared · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Priesthood holders, this book is a call to "rise up" and be better prepared to honor God and exercise His authority; for everyone, it offers useful insights into the purpose and power of the Priesthood.

[Ned N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gideon (Judges 8:10) was a Mighty man of valor. "Valor represents bravery and strength of character, boldness, and fortitude--all qualities that prepare a person to act responsibly in times of need, of challenge, or of danger." Very easy and inspiring read.