STANDING READY WITH THE ARMOR OF GOD
Readiness is just a word that goes along with Rangering. It always has! We can easily trace our shared Ranger history back to MAJ Robert Rogers and his still applicable Rules of Ranging. COL Darby even read Rogers Rules of Ranging to the 1st Ranger Battalion before they entered active combat in WWII. These rules are still found in the Ranger Handbook. They are timeless techniques, tactics, and procedures that focus on readiness. Modern-day Rangers train to be ready for anything, for all physical, mental, and tactical challenges. But every Ranger also knows that the battles we face aren’t only on distant objectives. Some of the toughest fights hit closer to home and require a level of spiritual readiness.
The Bible reminds us in Ephesians 6 that we are to maintain a spiritual posture that equips us for the unseen battles of the heart and mind. The passage describes the “armor of God,” as a set of virtues and disciplines that strengthen us from the inside out. It’s not same gear that you strap on quickly in the ready room for a time sensitive target, but it’s every bit as essential.
• The Belt of Truth-Just as a Ranger’s kit stays secure because of a solid foundation, our lives stay grounded when we hold fast to what is true — about God, about ourselves, and about our purpose. Truth keeps us steady when the world shifts under our feet. Jesus tells us He is the way, the truth, and the life!
• The Breastplate of Righteousness-Body armor protects what’s vital. Living with integrity protects our hearts. Righteousness isn’t perfection; it’s choosing the hard right over the easy wrong. It’s the quiet strength that builds trust in teams and families.
• The Boots of Readiness of the Gospel-Rangers are known for being ready to move at a moment’s notice. Spiritually, readiness looks like being anchored in peace — the kind of peace that allows you to step into uncertainty without fear because you know Who goes with you because you understand who Jesus is and what He accomplished on your behalf.
• The Shield of Faith-A Ranger’s shield is teamwork, training, and trust. Faith adds another layer, a confidence that God is present in the chaos, steady in the storm, and faithful in every instance. Faith doesn’t remove the fight; it keeps the fight from overwhelming us.
• The Helmet of Salvation-A helmet protects the head; salvation protects the mind. It reminds us of who we belong to and what our ultimate hope is. When negative thoughts, guilt, or anxiety attack, this is what guards your perspective.
• The Sword of the Spirit-Every Ranger understands the importance of a reliable weapon. All the previously mentioned items are defensive in nature. They are important but… Offensive weapons are more important. I can fight without a helmet or body armor. It is much harder to fight without a gun! The Holy Bible is your weapon — not designed to do harm, but to strengthen, guide, and correct. The Word cuts through confusion and brings clarity when life gets noisy. Spend some time in God’s Word!
Why This Matters for Rangers-We all know the Regiment demands excellence and endurance. Spiritual life demands the same. My encouragement to each of you this month is simple: don’t neglect your spiritual kit. Dust off that Bible, read it and allow it to help you become a better man, husband, father, brother, etc. Check your spiritual readiness as intentionally as you do/did pre-mission checks on your gear. Strengthen what’s weak. Repair what’s worn. And remember that you never fight alone — not as a Ranger, and not in your walk with God.
Rangers Lead the Way!
Chaplain Dan Knight
Spiritual Fitness Advisor
Three Rangers Foundation
d.knight@threerangersfoundation.org
601-988-5087