It's obvious that the purpose of a helmet is to protect the head, but what does that have to do with salvation?
We're nearing the end of our look at the armor of God. For links to the other pieces of armor we've looked at in this series - based on a wonderful book by Rick Renner called "Sparkling Gems from the Greek" - check the end of this post.
According to a survey by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 50% of cyclists regularly wear a helmet. Having reaped the benefits of wearing a helmet during an accident twelve years ago, it's puzzling to me why more people don't take advantage of this effective protection. Compared to the benefits of wearing a helmet, any excuse offered to the contrary falls flat.
"Take the helmet of salvation..." ~ Ephesians 6:17
I wonder what percentage of people protect their mind with the helmet of salvation that God has made readily available to His children...
Satan's primary target is our mind, because he knows if he can capture the mind with his lies he can destroy the whole person. How? Actions stem from beliefs and beliefs grow out of thoughts. It is for this reason God commands us to guard our minds, and equips us with the helmet of salvation to do so!
Wearing our salvation as a helmet means knowing what this salvation includes, and the way to do this is to study God's Word. The only way to fend off satan's attacks is with God's truth. It's imperative we understand:
My salvation can never be taken from me!
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. ~ John 10:28
I have value!
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ~ Psalm 139:14
I am loved!
The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” ~ Zephaniah 3:17
I am not alone!
Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. ~ Isaiah 43:1-2
I am chosen!
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he[c] predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will ~ Ephesians 1:4-5
I have a purpose!
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God planned in advance for us to do. ~ Ephesians 2:10
I am protected!
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. ~ Isaiah 46:4
The helmet of a Roman soldier was very ornate, complete with a huge plume of brightly colored feathers or horse hair standing from the top. This helmet made the soldier very noticeable. Salvation is the most beautiful, ornate, elaborate gift God has ever given us. When we walk in the truth of our salvation, we will be just as noticeable! Our peace and confidence will cause us to stand out from the rest of the world.
Satan's primary target is our mind, because he knows if he can capture the mind with his lies he can destroy the whole person. How? Actions stem from beliefs and beliefs grow out of thoughts. It is for this reason God commands us to guard our minds, and equips us with the helmet of salvation to do so!
Wearing our salvation as a helmet means knowing what this salvation includes, and the way to do this is to study God's Word. The only way to fend off satan's attacks is with God's truth. It's imperative we understand:
My salvation can never be taken from me!
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. ~ John 10:28
I have value!
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ~ Psalm 139:14
I am loved!
The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” ~ Zephaniah 3:17
I am not alone!
Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. ~ Isaiah 43:1-2
I am chosen!
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he[c] predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will ~ Ephesians 1:4-5
I have a purpose!
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God planned in advance for us to do. ~ Ephesians 2:10
I am protected!
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. ~ Isaiah 46:4
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| Photo courtesy of Colleenmichellex and Photobucket |
The helmet of a Roman soldier was very ornate, complete with a huge plume of brightly colored feathers or horse hair standing from the top. This helmet made the soldier very noticeable. Salvation is the most beautiful, ornate, elaborate gift God has ever given us. When we walk in the truth of our salvation, we will be just as noticeable! Our peace and confidence will cause us to stand out from the rest of the world.
Lord, I thank you for the gift of salvation. Help me consistently choose to fill my mind with your truth rather than the things of this world so that my security in you is evident to all.
Lisa
TweetOther posts in this series:
Armor of God (overview)
Are You Buckled Up? - The Belt of Truth
Guard Your Heart - The Breastplate of Righteousness
Killer Shoes - Feet Fitted with Readiness
Guard Your Mind - The Helmet of Salvation (YOU ARE HERE!)
Time to Play Offense - The Sword of the Spirit
Linking up with "Reflections of His Grace", "Thoughtful Thursday"
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment about my life group for ABC Wednesday. I really enjoyed your post on the "helmet of salvation", especially knowing our helmet stands out as much as the embellished roman helmet.
Ann
Wow!!! What a great post! I will be referring to these scriptures for the next few weeks. I am connecting from Beholding Glory link up. I would love to stay connected.
Wonderful post! I love what you said about salvation being the most beautiful gift God has given us and the ornateness of the Roman Soldiers helmet. We need to wear our helmets proudly (not pride in ourselves, but in the One who gave us the gift.) And you are so right, Satan attacks our minds.
Blessings and thanks for linking up.