“He put on ...the helmet of salvation on his head” Isaiah 59:17
I like hats. Probably a carry-over from my years growing up in a church that required women to wear hats as a biblical teaching, but today it’s just a fun fashion choice ranging from the very British fascinator to the wide-brimmed, “You’re blocking my view” head pieces not always welcomed unless you’re at the Kentucky Derby. In fact, one local pastor has instructed ladies in the congregation not to wear them in church. But conventional wisdom says that what is on the head is much less important than what is in it.
These thoughts came to mind as I was reading during my devotional time Ephesians 6:14-15, where helmets are listed among the Christian’s armor as soldiers of the cross. None of the aforementioned head coverings would be appropriate for warfare. The only suitable headgear would be a helmet for several reasons. First, the soldier needs his head kept safe so he can clear the mind of anything that might hinder understanding and accomplishing his or her assignment. To quote a famous line from the movie, Cool Hand Luke, “You got to get your mind right!” And long before this advice, Proverbs 4:23 warned, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” In other words, as thoughts flow from the heart, a constant renewal of the mind is needed (Rom.12:2) because how one thinks changes one’s perspective, which in turn changes one’s actions.
Once a soldier’s orders are given, any actions that follow will be proof of his or her allegiance to the Commander. That allegiance will be consistent with the virtues listed in Phil.4:8, where personal victory is achieved through focusing on thoughts that are pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy, leading to ultimate victory over all the enemy’s attempts and schemes to defeat. No wonder God’s provision of armor calls for the helmet of salvation. It fulfills the promise of Isa.54:17 that “No weapon that is fashioned against you shall prosper...This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from Me, says the Lord.” Being saved by grace equips believers to be constantly “working out {our} own salvation with fear and trembling”(Phil.2:12). What the Holy Spirit initiates inside of us, through intentional exercise, we put into action even though opposition and resistance cause us to fear and tremble as we face the enemy of our souls.
Finally, the helmet protects the head from serious injury. In case of impact, most of the energy is absorbed by the helmet. And yet the simple, most obvious truth is a helmet is useless unless it is put on. Without this basic piece of armor, none of the other pieces can be activated---not the breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, belt of truth, shoes of peace, or sword of the Spirit. Eligibility for enlistment in the Lord’s army all begins with salvation. Without it no one can be able to stand their ground when the forces of evil come (v.13). The battle is raging and enlistees are needed. The good news is, victory has already been declared because the battle belongs to the Lord. In ancient times a king customarily held a feast following a great victory. At the feast, he would lift up and drink deeply from a cup of wine as a symbol of deliverance and thanksgiving. May many today take “the cup of salvation” (Ps.116:13), provided in the blood of Jesus shed for our sins. Then may faithful soldiers fight the good fight in anticipation of participating in the future Thanksgiving Feast. May the “helmet of salvation” be a distinguishing marker for God’s people on the move.