Within Reach by Robert L. Millet is an Mp3 audio book that works through the common LDS struggle with the question “are we going to make it?”  Robert L. Millet uses his experiences in priesthood and leadership callings, as well as the words of modern day prophets - those who spent a great deal of time studying the atonement of Jesus Christ, to create a book full of peace giving principles on the worth of our souls as well as the value of our efforts towards eternal life.

Early in this book, which part initially grabbed and held on to my attention, Robert L. Millet describes various anonymous past experiences in temple recommend interviews he conducted with faithful members of the church.  Upon completing a regular interview, he sometimes took occasion to ask additional questions.  For instance - If you were to die and pass right through to the kingdom of glory you deserve, where would you be?  Almost invariably, he says the member of his ward would place themselves in the Terrestrial kingdom, because they were not “perfect”.  At that point, the author would teach his ward member about the importance of best efforts, and that loving the Lord in a way that leaves one worthy of a temple recommend also places him/her on the path that leads to eternal life.  He invites them and us as readers to “hold on, hope on”, because chances are “we’re going to make it”.

Recently, I had been invited to speak in an Ogden, Utah ward, as well as teach the Elder’s Quorum in my home ward about principles that revolve around this topic.  For these purposes alone, I am grateful to have had access to this great testimony from Robert L. Millet.  In both instances we discussed that we can all be better, but that the imperfect efforts made by good members of the church who always show up, magnify their callings, and, as we concluded, are they that “hunger and thirst after righteousness” have been promised to be filled with that for which they seek (Matthew 5:6).  It has been comforting to me, as I have studied and born witness of these great teachings, that we do not have to be perfect to receive those blessings of Heaven if we walk and pave that road (contrary to the popular saying) with good intentions, “[we’re] doing better than [we] think; perfection is… Within Reach!”  Within Reach by Robert L. Millet is a great book which is well worth listening to over and over again.R. Dunn,
Syracuse, Utah