If you follow my blog, you may have noticed a delay. Usually, I write weekly, and it is then posted. However, I struggled to gain perspective when I arrived at this article of armor in the series. After prayerfully meditating, I read several translations etc. I decided to write and confess that I don’t know why the helmet of salvation is the next to the last piece of armor we will put on for spiritual warfare. In my small limited, and I do mean limited understanding, it seemed that this would be the first piece. I have settled in my heart that, in this case, it is a last but not least concept. While understanding and accepting the free gift of salvation Christ offers is foundational in my relationship to Him and with Him, In Paul’s instructions, the helmet of salvation stays in line with the context of which he is writing. Paul uses a familiar understanding and illustration to make his point.
At the time Paul wrote this, The city of Ephesus was considered one of the most important Greek cities of all. It was a thriving seaport and trade center for much of the commerce that occurred in the region. Because of its location and wealth, it was also a target for attack and invasion. Therefore, it would have had a very strong military presence. It would not have been unusual for the folks who lived there to pass soldiers on the street dressed in full uniform, with their helmets being the primary source of identification and rank. So Paul uses this reference point to convey the importance of being properly suited and ready for spiritual battle. When a soldier puts on his uniform, the last piece he puts on is the helmet. Though he has many other somewhat effective pieces to help escape harm on the battlefield, without the helmet, he is the most vulnerable of all. An injury to the head is likely fatal. If not fatal, a wound of this caliber would undoubtedly immobilize the soldier where he could no longer pose a threat. The helmet covers the brain and helps protect the eyes and ears, and though a soldier might experience a wound to an extremity, as long as he can think and keep his wits about him, his chance for survival exists.
I began to understand that wearing the helmet of salvation when dressing for the battle is essential for survival. Along with the gift of eternal life and escaping the wrath of God for my sinfulness, salvation offers me the right way to think to protect the greatest battlefield I cross, My own mind. The helmet of salvation helps insulate me from the traps and snares the enemy can lay before me. It also helps protect me from my own desires and suggestions my own flesh can present to pursue my own agenda. If the enemy can cause me to doubt my own salvation, then I can begin to question the validity of my relationship to God. What will happen as a result? I will stop believing I am held in safety by God’s unmerited grace but will return to the natural prideful pursuit to make myself right in the eyes of the Lord by my own works. This will be followed up by attempts on my part to defend myself against spiritual warfare, and I will be dead in the water at the onset. So the helmet of salvation protects me by giving me the perspective of the only Holy God, not my own. It provides me the mind of Christ, which will help me be aware, recognize, and subdue the enemy’s attempt to captivate my thoughts.
In the bible, reference to the head generally symbolizes the whole person. Putting on the helmet allows me to testify and identify to others that my entire being belongs to God. It sets me apart as part of His regiment that is called to advance and defend His kingdom and its causes. This is where I remind myself and others that the main cause of the kingdom is people. Loving others, serving the poor, forgiving the ugly, feeding the hungry, and protecting the unborn. Not just for the sake of good deeds but out of motivation to share His gospel message of love and forgiveness. I am called to love whom God loves. Putting on the helmet of salvation not only identifies me as a warrior but also a lover.
In our culture, we encourage children, cyclists, motorcyclists, climbers, etc, to wear helmets because we have learned that 97% of head injuries that occur are fatal. OSHA mandates that helmets be worn on construction sites and often delivers heavy fines at sites where this is not observed. Most folks who survive head injuries without helmets often say they just got casual. They intended to wear it or usually wear a helmet but just got too busy or thought this one time would be okay without it. This is a good reminder that though I am eternally saved, engaging my mind every day, having it renewed as the scriptures instruct, and consciously deciding to depend on the protection that helmet of salvation provides is vital for my spiritual well-being and survival. Remember, the whole idea of the armor is that God’s utmost desire for us as His children is to experience victory. He has designed us to be more than conquerors. The joy we experience when we defeat and overcome in the name of Christ is unspeakable and immeasurable!!
Lord, thank you that you know that the mind you have given me to think, choose, create, and reason needs protection. Thank you for providing my salvation and giving me its helmet to wear and protect me from the enemy who brings doubt, pride, fear, and confusion. Keep my thinking straight and remind me never to be casual about dressing for battle.
Come back next time when the 5 o’clock worker takes up the sword of the Spirit as the door to “The Wardrobe” closes in the vineyard.
5oclockworker.com 