Men of Influence: The Potential of the Priesthood to Lift the World by Robert L. Millet

Men of Influence: The Potential of the Priesthood to Lift the World Reviews

• 
  Heather

  This was a great book. But, especially with all that President Nelson has asked the women to learn about the Priesthood, I feel that the principles in this book apply to all Covenant Keeping members and wish now that maybe the book would have been titled People of influence--or something along those lines. Having said that there are some quotes in here that I love:
  
  --In 1976 Elder Bruce R. McConkie wisely observed that a prayer "places the responsibility for missionary work upon a handful of missionaries. How much better it would be if all the members of the Church assumed their full responsibility to do missionary work and said instead, 'We are so grateful for these . . . missionaries. We want them to help us convert our contacts to the Church.' Nobody helps the missionaries; rather, missionaries help all of us" (Let Every Man, 5; emphasis added).
  
  --On being SOBER:we are serious, devoutly serious, about putting our lives in order as priesthood holders, serious about denying ourselves of ungodliness and worldly lusts, extremely serious about cultivating the gift of the Holy Ghost so that we might enjoy power in our lives, power in the priesthood, righteous influence within and beyond the Church. We are and should be serious when it comes to being a loving and faithful husband, a good father, and a caring neighbor. We are sober when it comes to accepting and carrying out the call to serve as a home teacher, a priesthood representative to certain families who definitely need a friend and to be nourished by the good word of God (Moroni 6:4). Such matters dare not be treated casually or taken lightly. The Lord does not want us to be miserable while engaged in his work; on the contrary, he desires that we feel the deepest of joys and the sublime peace that flow from righteous and obedient service.
  
  --Almost fifty years ago a man taught me something that changed my life. He said simply: "When you get out of bed in the morning, never let your feet touch the floor first. Always let your knees touch first." I recommend that bit of practical wisdom to you, especially if you find it difficult to have a regular, meaningful morning prayer. I have been surprised at how many people who would never, ever consider going to bed without praying in the evening have not managed to develop a habit of saying morning prayers. Perhaps my practical side comes through here, but I have thought that there are very few harmful or hazardous things that could happen to me between the time I lay my head on the pillow at night and the time I get up the next morning. But there are many challenges and temptations and decisions I must face throughout the day, and I need all the help I can get. From my point of view, evening prayers are extremely important, but morning prayers are vital.
  
  --There have been several times over the years when one or two of the children have talked me into watching a late movie with them, perhaps on a Friday night. It seemed to me at the time as though I would inevitably either fall asleep on the floor or on the couch. More than once I have gone into my bedroom, closed the door, and had a meaningful prayer before going downstairs to watch the movie.
  
  --Even our Lord and Savior came to know something about prayer that he could not have known before his sojourn in mortality. In the Garden of Gethsemane the Savior began to feel the loss of his Father's sustaining Spirit. "And being in an agony," Luke records, "he prayed more earnestly" (Luke 22:44). In his reflection on this singular occasion, Elder Bruce R. McConkie observed: "Now here is a marvelous thing. Note it well. The Son of God 'prayed more earnestly'! He who did all things well, whose every word was right, whose every emphasis was proper; he to whom the Father gave his Spirit without measure; he who was the only perfect being ever to walk the dusty paths of planet earth—the Son of God 'prayed more earnestly,' teaching us, his brethren [and sisters], that all prayers, his included, are not alike, and that a greater need calls forth more earnest and faith-filled pleadings before the throne of him to whom the prayers of the saints are a sweet savor" (in Prayer, 8).
  
  --If we are willing to move beyond a casual relationship with God, willing to spend the time and exert the energy necessary to make of our prayer life something more than it is now, then great things await us. Over time and with experience, our prayers can become more than petitions, as important as it is to petition the Lord. Our prayers can become instructive, the means whereby God can reveal great and important things to us.
  
  --The apostle Paul taught us that "the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with [strivings] which cannot be [expressed]" (Romans 8:26; see Smith, Teachings, 278; compare 3 Nephi 19:24; D&C 46:30; 50:29–30; 63:65). That is to say, if we are quiet and attentive, the Spirit of the Lord can, on some occasions, lead us to pray for things that were not on our personal agenda, deep things, things that pertain more to our eternal needs than our temporal wants. In such settings we may find our words reaching beyond our thoughts, praying for people and circumstances and eventualities that will surprise us.
  
  --We have been promised in modern revelation that if we are true to priesthood principles in how we live and lead, "the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon [our] soul[s] as the dews from heaven" (D&C 121:45). Elder Bruce R. McConkie pulled back the curtains of heaven and implored:
  
  "My brethren of the priesthood: To all of you, to all holders of the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods, I issue this challenge: Come, learn the doctrine of the priesthood; come, live as befits one who is a servant of the Lord.
  
  "This doctrine, this doctrine of the priesthood—unknown in the world and but little known even in the Church—cannot be learned out of the scriptures alone. It is not set forth in the sermons and teachings of the prophets and Apostles, except in small measure.
  
  "The doctrine of the priesthood is known only by personal revelation. It comes, line upon line and precept upon precept, by the power of the Holy Ghost to those who love and serve God with all their heart, might, mind, and strength (see D&C 98:12). . .
• 
  Ryan

  One of the things I most appreciate about Bro. Millet is that he teaches the doctrine and principles of the restored gospel from the scriptures and the words of prophets and apostles. Then he shares his own experiences and observations in a way that invites readers (and listeners) to thoughtfully and sincerely reflect on their own application of those doctrines and principles in their own circumstances. I never feel that Bob is telling me how to live the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. He is just telling me that I can and that I need to prayerfully consider how I need to do it. He also has a wonderful way of inspiring confidence, hope, purpose, vision, urgency, and conviction in doing so. Some sequels fail to live up to the expectation of the previous book, but not this one. I look forward to the last one in this series!
• 
  Travis Standley

  This is the second book in this series by Robert Millett. I got much more out of this second book. Perhaps I listened better. The topics were applicable. Influence in the holy Priesthood was tied to improving our prayer life, study of the gospel-specific to the scriptures along with insights into the power of the Book of Mormon. The other key principle is in relation to our closeness and familiarity to the Holy Ghost’s companionship. As a Priesthood bearer draws close to God, he can do work in God’s name. It’s a privilege that can only be merited by righteous behavior and holy and reverent habits. On life not a divided life. I come away from this Audio book desirous to be better and more reverent and bake in the Priesthood service. On to the 3rd book.
• 
  Graham Bradley

  Exceptionally well-written and well thought-out writings on conduct for priesthood holders. I'm glad Millet wrote these, they're great for men who didn't grow up around examples of worthy priesthood men. (I was fortunate to, but I know a lot of people who joined the Church later in life and might benefit from the lessons in here.)
• 
  Karen Hiatt brace

  I enjoy reading Robert L. Millet's books. I can always feel comfortable that he is teaching correct doctrine. He is a great teacher and explains things so that even a person that is new to the subject of priesthood can understand and those that have had the priesthood for many years can enjoy and learn from.
• 
  Stephan van Velzen

  Better than the previous one!
• 
  Rachelle

  I enjoyed learning about the priesthood more by reading this book. The author had some great thoughts and ideas throughout the book.
• 
  Ty

  A wonderful book. It helped me to identify several areas to improve. Love this book and the other two in the series.
• 
  Eddy

  I listened to the Audio version of this book by Deseret Book. Millet provides some good advice to priesthood holders, that would help to influence them to become better. I found that the book, was really generic, and most of the counsel applies to women as well as men. I didn't find anything revolutionary about the book, but it does contain some well known, yet solid advice.
• 
  Tony

  I really enjoyed this book. I thought Millet did a great job of not just expressing his own opinions, but in referencing them to general authority quotes. Its the type of book that is a quick read and you walk away wanting to do better with your life.
• 
  Ryan

  Robert Millet discusses important aspects of becoming a more effective and even powerful bearer of the priesthood. From more meaningful prayer to greater knowledge of gospel truth to stronger faith, men can develop greater power in the priesthood.
• 
  Kirt

  This book is really well written and organized and a great reminder of things that I should be doing. I've known men in my life who exemplified the power of God and reading this book reminded me of the feeling that I had around them.
• 
  Jason

  his other two books in the series, I thought, were better reads. this one seemed redundant in the middle. the same point was brought up again and again about having gospel knowledge. I would still recommend reading it though.
• 
  Martha

  4 1/2 stars.
• 
  Ridgeline

  This book is one I hope my sons will read and take to heart the depth of importance it is to honor and utilize the priesthood.
• 
  Brent

  Good book to read. Thought provoking.
• 
  Rebecca

  Another insightful Robert Millet book. He is such a great author!
• 
  Susan

  Eh. It's kind of all over the place.
• 
  Kaylynn Johnsen

  I really love the writing of Robert Millet. His stories are personal, his understanding of the scriptures insightful and spirit flows through the pages.
• 
  Shane

  I like Millet's writing style and insights, more autobiographical than I expected.