THINKING OF OURSELVES LESS: THE HEART OF SERVANT LEADERSHIP
All of us who served in the Regiment had the privilege of serving with some outstanding leaders. The leaders I learned the most from and most often tried to emulate were men who led with humility. I think outside of love, humility is the most important concept discussed in the Bible. Men who truly modeled servant leadership were not men who thought less of themselves, but they were men who thought of themselves less. In his letter to the Church in Philippi, the Apostle Paul reminds us to, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” — Philippians 2:3-4
Outstanding Ranger Leaders did this instinctively when on patrol. Whenever the patrol halted, the Assistant Patrol Leader (the PSG when moving in a platoon formation) would make his way to the front of the patrol—ensuring all Rangers were doing the right things, facing out, pulling security on a given sector of fire, adjusting equipment, or maybe grabbing a sip of water. The APL/PSG seldom had time for a break himself. Instead, he was entirely focused on the well-being of the patrol. I realize now that this kind of selflessness was biblical servant leadership. He did not do this because he felt he was unworthy of a break; he did it because he knew the men and the mission were more important than his own comfort.
You see, true servant leadership is not about diminishing your worth but is about elevating the worth of others. Whether these guys realized it or not, they were modelling Christ-like leadership. Jesus modeled this principle perfectly. This was not an act of self-deprecation, but of selfless love. True servant leaders understand their value and strength, yet choose to use them in service to others, knowing that greatness in God’s Kingdom is measured by humility and sacrifice. Remember that Jesus provided the ultimate lesson in servant leadership.
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” — Mark 10:45
Few of the guys reading this are still actively Rangering. Most of us have moved on to other endeavors. However, the mentoring program within Three Rangers Foundation is the heart of our organization. Understanding how principles like servant leadership shaped us is crucial to those you mentor. Servant leadership is a legacy worth passing on to those in our lives—our children, co-workers, and friends. Humility is essential to living and serving others well. Humility is part of the legacy of the 75th Ranger Regiment—men who lead with courage yet never lose sight of the greater mission. By thinking of themselves less, they create space for unity, trust, and God’s glory to shine through their actions.
My prayer for you all this month is that the Lord will strengthen you to lead with courage, serve with humility, and love without condition. May your actions reflect the heart of Christ, who gave Himself for others, and may your legacy as a Ranger be one of continuing honor, faith, and selfless service. Walk boldly in His calling, knowing that in thinking of yourself less, you are both pointing others to Jesus and fulfilling the third stanza of the Ranger Creed, “Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong, and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one hundred percent and then some.” Amen
God Bless!
Rangers Lead the Way!
Chaplain Dan Knight
Spiritual Fitness Advisor
Three Rangers Foundation
d.knight@threerangersfoundation.org
601-988-5087