Helmet of Salvation- Part 2: How to Put It On

 

This is the second part of our study on the helmet of salvation. In part one we explored what salvation means and how to accept it. To put it on as a piece of armor, however, we need to be intentional about using it. In this post we will explore how to put the helmet on in order to guard and strengthen our faith. We have been studying each piece of the armor of God so that we can maintain our faith during trials. So far we have studied the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, footwear of readiness, and the shield of faith.

      The helmet of salvation is the second to last piece of armor that Paul writes about in Ephesians 6. A helmet is used to protect the head. When we wear salvation as a helmet, it can help guard our mind. Trials bring an assault on us in different ways. They can cause physical, mental, relational, emotional, and spiritual issues. When we are exhausted from the battle, it can be difficult to maintain our faith. This is why we need to continually be wearing our armor. Being prepared is important because it ensures that our faith is fortified before we begin the battle. It makes it easier to trust God when we experience suffering.

      We often respond to trials emotionally. If left unchecked, these emotions inform what we come to believe. For example, we can get offended during these difficult times because God doesn’t seem to care or He seems unwilling to show up. When we get offended, it can plant negative thoughts and emotions within us. We feel owed something; like we have been taken advantage of or have been withheld from. Suddenly, it doesn’t seem like God loves us as much as He says He does. We begin to question what we know about Him and allow our information to pass through this negative filter. 

      Have you ever had a negative view of something or someone? It is amazing how our minds work. When we have a negative perception, we tend to only focus on evidence that justifies that perception. It takes effort to see something differently. As Christians, we are called to take charge of our minds. In Romans 12:2 (NIV), Paul writes, “Do not conform 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.” Only after we change the way we think, do we have the clarity to see things as God intends us to. 

      We need to put on the helmet of salvation in order to have a saved mindset. We do this by keeping salvation at the forefront of our minds. Depending on the culture you come from, you may learn to filter what you experience through your emotions. To put on our helmet, however, we need to filter our thoughts, emotions, and experiences through salvation. This requires us to be intentional because it takes work. It isn’t what comes naturally to us.

      We will talk about three ways to put on the helmet of salvation. The first way is to remember the cost Jesus paid for your life. The Lord willingly laid down His life for you, He was tortured, and He went through agony mentally, physically, and spiritually. He knew all that would happen, yet valued your eternal salvation more than His own life. He allowed Himself to be mocked and abused for your sake. Who would give up so much for someone who wasn’t deeply loved or valued? A quick death is one thing, but trauma another. 

When we remember all that Jesus went through for us and really take the time to reflect on it, our justification for turning away from the Lord becomes weak. It causes us to hold onto our relationship with Him more tightly. It brings a sense of loyalty. We refuse to let our faith in Him diminish. This doesn’t mean that trials are not difficult, but we are able to remain steadfast because we are aware of the love God has for us. We know we can trust it and Him. We can have confidence knowing that the Lord, Who didn’t give up on us during His worst suffering, has not given up on us during ours.

      The second way to put the helmet of salvation on is to remember that our current circumstances are not our eternal ones. Our pain in this life is not forever. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross gives us the opportunity to be saved. This comes with the promise of an eternity in Heaven with Him. And what a beautiful place that will be! John wrote in Revelation 21:4 (NIV), “‘He will wipe every tear from [our] eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’” Our current emotions and circumstances are not our forever realities. 

      God made a way for us to have peace and life with Him. We cannot stop trusting Him and allow our faith to diminish just because we don’t feel it now. Jesus didn’t feel the promise as He was dying on the cross. He felt forsaken, yet He trusted the Father. He let truth reign over His emotions. We have to let the truth of our salvation remind us that our trials are temporary. Then we can praise God and draw near to Him in the midst of our suffering because of the hope for the future promised to us.

      The third way to put the helmet of salvation on is to remember the power behind it. During trials, it can feel like God has lost control. Our circumstances don’t look the way we think they should and we often can’t imagine what good could come from them. What is impossible for us is not impossible for God. He isn’t limited the way we are. Jesus defeated death when He resurrected. He showed His ultimate authority. God’s power is behind our salvation.

      In Jeremiah 32:17 (NLT), the prophet prayed, “O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!” Jerusalem was under siege and God revealed to Jeremiah that Babylon would win the battle against them. But, He also promised that people would some day return to the land. In order to hold on to the promise, we must have faith in God and in His power. Nothing takes God by surprise. We may be blindsided, but He isn’t. God has a plan and He has the power to make that plan become a reality. Like Jeremiah, we can have faith during our trials because His promises will be fulfilled. 

      We need to guard our minds at all times. We can’t just put on the helmet of salvation when the trial begins. Because of all the ways we get attacked, it is easy to allow our negative emotions to filter all that we experience. This can often cause a rift between us and God. That is why it is important to put on our helmet beforehand. When we allow salvation to be our filter it helps us to weigh the worth of our reactions and reminds us of what is true. Having faith requires trust in God. To have unwavering faith, we need to be anchored in the truth. Our emotions change and with them, so do our perceptions. They are unreliable filters. Make the decision to begin allowing salvation to affect the way you view and respond to your circumstances. As you do, your faith will be strengthened.