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A More Elite Soldier: Pursuing a Life of Purpose
Former U.S. Army Ranger Chuck Holton shows how God oversees our training and gives each of us specific skills to accomplish the mission He has for us in this great spiritual war.
The rigor of becoming an Airborne Ranger is exceeded only by the challenge of being one--but those who join their ranks find fulfillment in something bigger than themselves. In the same way, pursuing God's objectives energizes our everyday lives.
In this riveting book, you will be issued potent spiritual ammunition for your daily battles from the perspective of a seasoned Special Operations soldier. Life is combat. From the instant the alarm clock signals the beginning of your day, you’re jumping into a zone of uncertainty and your survival depends on having a clear focus. Your Get on mission as an elite soldier and become part of something bigger than yourself. God will lead you through the danger zone of today’s insecurity, equipping you to make a difference.
The rigor of becoming an Airborne Ranger is exceeded only by the challenge of being one--but those who join their ranks find fulfillment in something bigger than themselves. In the same way, pursuing God's objectives energizes our everyday lives.
In this riveting book, you will be issued potent spiritual ammunition for your daily battles from the perspective of a seasoned Special Operations soldier. Life is combat. From the instant the alarm clock signals the beginning of your day, you’re jumping into a zone of uncertainty and your survival depends on having a clear focus. Your Get on mission as an elite soldier and become part of something bigger than yourself. God will lead you through the danger zone of today’s insecurity, equipping you to make a difference.
199 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 31, 2024
Mmmmm Christianity being linked to the US military!? Say it isn't so. Yeah, this one hasn't aged well with my changed belief structures as I've aged.
July 2, 2011
What man, at some point in his life, hasn’t wanted to be a Ranger, Seal, or just a plain badass? I know I have. I wanted to be a Navy Seal. Well Chuck Holton, author of A More Elite Soldier: Pursuing A Life of Purpose, was an Airborne Ranger. Through this book that reads like an updated version of Pilgrims Progress, he draws you in as you read about some of the missions Chuck has gone on and the struggles in his life as he served his country.
From time spent in Panama, to Ranger training, to his relationship with women and God, it’s easy to see ourselves in the same sort of situations. We are confronted with the questions “What would I do?” and “What should I have done?” Through it all we are pointed back to Christ. He also uses the Ranger Creed as a guide to see how the it and the Bible fit together.
To be honest, I usually don’t go back and reread books. I have a pretty good memory so when I start to reread a book I get bored very easily. Yet, this is one of those books I keep coming back to every year or two. It’s one of the books I suggest to someone trying to find their purpose in life. Here’s some of what you’ll find inside…
Ever go through two-a-days in football? That is kinda what the Ranger Indoctrination Program (R.I.P) is like – on steroids. Chuck first has to do a “Dying Cockroach” (when you lay on your back and keep your head up off the ground and your arms and legs perpendicular to the ground). Take a rest and you’re gone. Forty-five minutes later and he had passed his first test. That was just the beginning of day one. (Want to see how long you can do it… go for it… we’ll wait.)
Three days before he’s supposed to graduate R.I.P. school, Chuck screws up by being late to his quarters. He might get recycled – meaning he will have to do the “Dying Cockroach,” and everything else, all over again! He speaks to his Sergeant and pleads to be allowed to graduate with his class. They make him stew for a while, then tell him he would be allowed to graduate with his class if… IF… he reported to the “Charge of Quarters” every 30 minutes from 2200 (10:00 p.m.) til 0445 (4:45 a.m.) the rest of his time there. Miss one and he was gone. Now think about it; it was Monday- he didn’t sleep more than 20 minutes at a time up until graduation!
The main lesson he learned early on in his career as a soldier was priceless, and one we as Christian men should also remember: God doesn’t share His glory with anyone. Chuck Holton couldn’t take credit for becoming a Ranger, and neither can we take credit for our successes.
This book is great for guys in their teens, as well as grandfathers; there is definitely something for everyone. As Holton says: “Life is Combat,” and we all need help at times on how to enter combat situations effectively. If you are looking for a book to challenge you, make you think, and draw you closer to the “Big Ranger in the sky”, READ THIS ONE.
From Third Option Men
From time spent in Panama, to Ranger training, to his relationship with women and God, it’s easy to see ourselves in the same sort of situations. We are confronted with the questions “What would I do?” and “What should I have done?” Through it all we are pointed back to Christ. He also uses the Ranger Creed as a guide to see how the it and the Bible fit together.
To be honest, I usually don’t go back and reread books. I have a pretty good memory so when I start to reread a book I get bored very easily. Yet, this is one of those books I keep coming back to every year or two. It’s one of the books I suggest to someone trying to find their purpose in life. Here’s some of what you’ll find inside…
Ever go through two-a-days in football? That is kinda what the Ranger Indoctrination Program (R.I.P) is like – on steroids. Chuck first has to do a “Dying Cockroach” (when you lay on your back and keep your head up off the ground and your arms and legs perpendicular to the ground). Take a rest and you’re gone. Forty-five minutes later and he had passed his first test. That was just the beginning of day one. (Want to see how long you can do it… go for it… we’ll wait.)
Three days before he’s supposed to graduate R.I.P. school, Chuck screws up by being late to his quarters. He might get recycled – meaning he will have to do the “Dying Cockroach,” and everything else, all over again! He speaks to his Sergeant and pleads to be allowed to graduate with his class. They make him stew for a while, then tell him he would be allowed to graduate with his class if… IF… he reported to the “Charge of Quarters” every 30 minutes from 2200 (10:00 p.m.) til 0445 (4:45 a.m.) the rest of his time there. Miss one and he was gone. Now think about it; it was Monday- he didn’t sleep more than 20 minutes at a time up until graduation!
The main lesson he learned early on in his career as a soldier was priceless, and one we as Christian men should also remember: God doesn’t share His glory with anyone. Chuck Holton couldn’t take credit for becoming a Ranger, and neither can we take credit for our successes.
This book is great for guys in their teens, as well as grandfathers; there is definitely something for everyone. As Holton says: “Life is Combat,” and we all need help at times on how to enter combat situations effectively. If you are looking for a book to challenge you, make you think, and draw you closer to the “Big Ranger in the sky”, READ THIS ONE.
From Third Option Men
May 13, 2010
Chuck Holton believes every Christian is standing on the battlefield of life. The author, a former US Army Ranger, now a CBN reporter, is calling believers to become a well trained, well equipped elite soldier in God's army. Holton maintains, even the most elite soldier is not privy to the entire battle plan, doesn't see the big picture, but he/she is committed to his/her mission, purpose, and performs with perserverance and skill, trusing in his/her Commander. Holton points to the model of the US Army Ranger, who when not in battle is training for the next encounter with the enemy. I highly recommend this book.
July 7, 2019
Discipline yourself, or life will do it for you.
- Chuck Holton
This is written by a guy for guys and it details his struggles in life. He makes a pretty clear connection between physical and spiritual battles and is a must read for all boys from 17-40. I've read it a few times and each time, seem to glean more inspiration to push on for the prize and to keep my ways pure. Full of quotable quotes that aren't lame, but helpful, I would highly recommend this book, especially if you have any interest in the military, first response, EMS, fire, police, etc. He hits home on many of his points.
- Chuck Holton
This is written by a guy for guys and it details his struggles in life. He makes a pretty clear connection between physical and spiritual battles and is a must read for all boys from 17-40. I've read it a few times and each time, seem to glean more inspiration to push on for the prize and to keep my ways pure. Full of quotable quotes that aren't lame, but helpful, I would highly recommend this book, especially if you have any interest in the military, first response, EMS, fire, police, etc. He hits home on many of his points.
December 29, 2009
In "A More Elite Soldier," Chuck Holton described in vivid detail his military training and missions. Interspersed in these accounts, he related the various spiritual lessons he learned on how his training reflected things in the Bible on how we are called to follow Christ. I found the descriptions of his training very interesting and enjoyed his insights on how God trains us for His missions.
I don't recall any bad language. A few parts of the book were written in present tense ('I see' vs 'I saw'), but most was in past tense. I'd recommend this book to Christians who are in the military, who are interested in learning more about the training that Army Rangers go through, or who want to become a "more elite soldier" for God (or at least see a Ranger's perspective on it).
I don't recall any bad language. A few parts of the book were written in present tense ('I see' vs 'I saw'), but most was in past tense. I'd recommend this book to Christians who are in the military, who are interested in learning more about the training that Army Rangers go through, or who want to become a "more elite soldier" for God (or at least see a Ranger's perspective on it).
July 7, 2014
Chuck Holton makes a easy read with multiple vignettes so it moves quickly. It makes it a easy read for a non reader. I feel it was weak in the spiritual basis. Too many Army stories and not enough scripture reference. It could have had a lot more challenge points for the reader going forward.
December 2, 2014
I really liked this book. I remember reading this book when I was in AIT and helped me get closer to God. I highly recommend this book.
For soldiers alike, it gives you some insight about joining the regiment or getting your tab or both.
For soldiers alike, it gives you some insight about joining the regiment or getting your tab or both.
April 6, 2015
I thought Holton did a good job linking combat in the Rangers with Spiritual combat and growth. He was honest and direct. My son got this in Afghanistan from someone and brought it home...I'm glad he did, because I really enjoyed it. More power to you, Mr. Holton. God bless you
October 29, 2015
Wonderful read - - especially for teenage boys and young men. Holton shares with us many of the experiences he had while training to be an Army Ranger and during the Panamanian overthrow. Along the way, Holton inspires us with relevant items in his spiritual journey. Give this one a try.
December 30, 2008
Shows the parallel between a soldier's life in the Army and life as a Christian.... inspirational!
March 3, 2013
Pretty Ausumn book
July 3, 2014
The author makes a good connection between his experience as a Ranger and his faith in God. There are great parallels between the military life and the Christian one.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews