The Greatest GiftsSample

THE GIFT OF WEAPONRY, THE HELMET OF SALVATION

The next piece of armor covers your head. We’ve surrounded our waist with truth, covered our feet with peace, and protected our hearts with the grace of Jesus. We have lifted the shield of faith and been reminded that God is always closer to us than the enemy.

Next: Ephesians 6:17 -- the helmet of salvation. You are saved from your head to your toes. Be wise; wear a helmet! Protect your mind.

In the past 25 years or so, helmets have become a standard part of our daily routine. When I learned to ride a bicycle, I never wore a helmet. I had an accident or two and banged my head from time to time, but these days, you wouldn’t think of teaching your child to ride a bike without first strapping on a helmet. Small babies wear helmets. Even cowboys and bull riders are wearing helmets instead of cowboy hats. Why? Because they work! They protect your head. They keep you safe. Have you read recently about all the research and technology put into the new NFL football helmets? There are molded shells and something called TPU padding. There is a lot of science going into protecting players’ heads. They’ve come a long way from the leather-heads of the early days of football. Construction workers, athletes of all types, soldiers, firefighters ... all wear helmets. Whether they look cool or not, they protect your head.

Paul says to make sure you know every day that your salvation saves you, protects you, keeps you in the game, and keeps you mentally alert. How do you get your salvation? That’s the same question the Roman jailer asked Paul and Silas. Their answer?

“Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31, NCV).

And think about Paul’s words in Romans as it relates to transforming our mind, which is the key central point in all of our decision-making. How do you know what God’s will is?

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2, NIV).

How do you renew your mind? By transforming your thinking. How do you transform your thinking? By meditating on God and His word and His promises for you. Transform your mind. Grab every thought that rings with fear or sin. Defeat the enemy. Keep your head protected. Be safe. Wear a helmet! Enjoy this gift, His helmet of salvation.

PRAYER

Father God, thank you for the Gift of protection for my mind. Thank you for your Word, which renews my thinking. May I dwell on you and your thoughts today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.