LOOK FOR WORK
If you have read many of my newsletter remarks, you’ll recognize a recurring theme—The Ranger Creed. This month is no different as I will focus on the last sentence in the third stanza that says, "I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one-hundred-percent and then some." This commitment to hard work and extra effort demonstrates a constant state of busyness in the pursuit of excellence.
This portion of the Creed reminds me of a term often used during Close Quarters Battle (CQB) training. How many of you remember the phrase, "look for work"? It means to actively and constantly identify and address the highest-priority threats and tasks in your immediate environment. It is a principle of both situational awareness and initiative; it ensures that all team members contribute to the mission's success, even when their primary task is complete. This phrase, “look for work,” covers a sequence of actions and is similar to the old Ranger School Patrol base activities known by all Rangers as the "priorities of work."
My CQB terminology might be a bit dated but to “look for work” as you enter and clear a room means, first--neutralize primary threats, next--cover any secondary threats, next--clear any "dead space", next--tend to casualties, next--gather intelligence, then—you seek additional tasks—basically anything one can think of such as marking the cleared room, cross-loading ammo, preparing for the next phase of the mission, exfil, etc. You simply, “Look for work!”
In the context of biblical principles, this familiar CQB phrase "look for work" finds parallels both in the pursuit of serving others and in the watchful diligence required of all believers. It means remaining vigilant and proactive in one's spiritual duties, rather than becoming complacent once an initial task is complete.
The spiritual life is often described in the Bible using military metaphors or analogies.
1 Peter 5:8, The apostle warns, "Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." This image demands a mindset of constant vigilance. A Ranger "looking for work" is like one on “stand to,” ready to go, knowing that danger is always present and seeking to counter it.
2 Timothy 2:3–4: Paul explicitly tells Timothy to "endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer." This verse calls for a single-minded focus on the mission, avoiding distraction to remain combat-ready for kingdom work, serving Jesus.
The instruction to "look for work" also reflects a biblical emphasis on diligent and proactive service, not just waiting to be told what to do.
Colossians 3:23–24 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." This principle applies to all areas of a believer's life, from professional work to ministry. It is the core motivation for looking for work: doing everything, even small tasks, with excellence as an act of worship.
Proverbs 6:6 says, "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!" This contrasts the diligent with the lazy. An ant does not need a commander to tell it what to do; it constantly and tirelessly gathers food. A Christian is similarly called to look for opportunities to serve without needing constant direction.
Acts 20:35, Paul reminds the elders in Ephesus of Jesus's words: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." The self-starter attitude of "looking for work" for others reflects the outward-focused, sacrificial love that Jesus embodied and taught.
We can and should all remember that once we hang up the combat kit we must still “Look for Work”. We have Ranger buddies who need us, we have a new generation of American youth who need role models and mentors, we have local churches and ministries that need our support and attention. Once we let our focus become ourselves and our own little kingdoms we are slipping away from true Kingdom Work. Read the Bible, get plugged into your local church, pray and care for those who are sick and hurting. Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.”
This is my prayer this month for each of us--that we will all, “Look for Work”!
Rangers Lead the Way!
Chaplain Dan Knight
601-988-5087
d.knight@threerangersfoundation.org