Ephesians 6:17: Take the helmet of salvation
When he was 16, his motorcycle was barely tapped by a car. The cycle tipped over; his head landing on a curb.
Today he’s a 50-year old man. If only he’d been wearing his helmet, who knows how bright his future might have been?
When we think of the day we leave this earthly life; will we say “If only I’d worn my helmet of salvation”?
The helmet of salvation is the fifth piece of God’s armor Paul tells us to put on. It protects our “right thinking” and helps us take every thought captive, to focus not on earthly desires, but on the things of God.
That’s hard, trying not to look at things that tempt us in the world. There are lots of types of helmets, but when I think of the helmet of salvation, I picture one like this replica from the Crusades [ArmorVenue.com]. The cross of Christ is front and center; bolted in place from the top of our head to the bottom of our chin.
More than that, the only way to see is directly through the center of the Cross; where our vision cannot be distracted. Like blinders for a horse running a race.
We, too, are running a race. That race Paul talks about, running a race of faith with Jesus.
If we wear, not blinders, but a helmet of salvation—focusing fixedly on Jesus’ saving grace and on where he leads us, how much easier will the race be? How less distracted will we be by the people around us; the crowds; the hot dog stands and ice cream vendors?
I, too want to see the world with the focus of Jesus. Through the cross of redemption. My throughts protected. My mind armed with the salvation that comes from Christ.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we love you so. Thank you for the protection you give us through your salvation. Please protect our minds and remind us that—whatever comes—we ultimately have salvation through Jesus. Amen.
WHAT ABOUT YOU? Do you wear the salvation of Christ like armor?
4 comments:
Salvation... it's ours for the asking! All we have to do is pick up this armor and wear it... we have a choice, just as you've given in the example of the motorcyclist. How silly not to wear the helmet of salvation! Thank you Carol for this beautiful series!
@ Chris - so glad you're enjoying the series. The motorcyclist is my brother in law.
Many people think that wearing a helmet is giving up a freedom. I want the helmet of salvation so I can have freedom. Thank you, Jesus!
@ Pam - perfectly said! A helmet of salvation gives you the freedom to LIVE!
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