“MEN OF COVENANT: Oaths, Covenants and Transcendent Promises,” by Robert L. Millet, Deseret Book, 165 pages (nf)
Mormon scholar Robert L. Millet explores different aspects of covenants in his recent 165-page book “Men of Covenant: Oaths, Covenants and Transcendent Promises.”
While Millet focuses mainly on the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood found in Doctrine and Covenants 84:33-44, he delves into other aspects that apply to any of these covenants people make with God.
“Men of Covenant,” billed as a companion to “Men of Valor” and “Men of Influence,” has two main sections: What the covenant-maker promises, and what God promises. As Millet methodically goes through the 10 chapters, he shares experiences, scriptures and other quotes from leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
At the end of each of chapter there are several questions labeled “Points to Ponder” to help apply the lessons.
In the chapter on “Magnifying Our Callings,” he shares the impact of his home teaching companion, who was a recent convert through years of simple dedication to the calling and sincerely reaching out to a particular family.
Millet points out three aspects of magnifying a calling: first, accepting the calling; second, being consistent; and third, the love the home teacher shared for those he served. He also points out that in the LDS Church, many times the callings or assignments people are asked to do will put them outside of their comfort zones and they may struggle a bit in them. He also shares other examples from LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor President Dieter F. Uchtdorf and from the New Testament as he explores the topic.
Millet directs most of his comments to men as priesthood holders, however many of the lessons and principles apply to women in the covenants they make as members of the LDS Church.
“Men of Covenant” is a well-organized and thoughtful study of covenants that can help readers ponder and assess where they are in their covenant-keeping.
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