Don't Forget Your Helmet

Just in case you still haven't gotten it, I'll say it again. Life will never have perfect conditions. At least, not while the enemy is going about like a roaring lion. It is a hard truth, I know, but I really want to help you guide your expectations. What's good is, as a son there is no need to feel fear or even defeat because your Father has prepared all that you need for victory, even an armour.

If your church is Pentecostal or Charismatic in any way, you’ve probably heard someone “pray on” the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-20), you can’t do that by way. According to the scripture, the armour comprises the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of Salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.

I suggest that you study them all, but I'll be sharing about the helmet. A few years ago I was praying about the mind when I heard “the helmet of Salvation.” My first response was “ok. Wah Salvation have fi do with this?” I decided to pray and do a study which gave much insight.

The Helmet of Salvation

It is said that when a Roman soldier suited up for battle, the helmet was the last piece of the armour to be put on, and it was considered the final act of readiness in preparation for combat.

I truly dislike talking about warfare but the Bible tells us that we live in an ongoing battle for our souls. There are also many references and word usages that speak to this. We don't war after the flesh. We're more than conquerors. We wrestle not against flesh and blood. Fight the good fight, among others. Ephesians 6:11 says that if we're to withstand the enemy's schemes, we're going to need the armour of God which covers us.

Before we engage in any kind of spiritual battle, along with the rest of the armour of course, it is imperative that the headpiece is on so that the mind is covered. Entering into battle with your mind open to your enemy, i.e, not thinking on good things, gives him a chance to manipulate your soul (mind, emotions & will). What good is the rest of the armour if the head is damaged?

I don’t think it’s any coincidence that the helmet of Salvation and the sword of the spirit are mentioned together, for it is the Word that regulates and purifies our thoughts. It is the Word that informs us of truths and the promises of God, which keep us above the deception of the enemy. (The helmet of) Salvation reminds us that Jesus is our Saviour - our merciful and gracious Lord who loves us enough to die for us, and will relentlessly pursue us.

(The helmet of) Salvation tells us that we have a future hope, assurance of protection, and that we’re not in this alone. If I'm wearing (the helmet of) Salvation then I'm reminded that I have Jesus, my deliverer, my fortress, my protector, and confidence that I’m never defeated for the victory was won on Calvary. 

“He [Jesus] went between God and humanity, reconciling us to the Father; and between satan and humanity, breaking satan’s hold.

- Dutch Sheets, Intercessory Prayer.

Also, Romans 8:2 says, “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”

Personally, I liken the helmet of Salvation to the Victor’s crown - a symbol that says I'm more than a conqueror; never defeated because of Jesus and the cross. It's a reminder that the enemy does not have a hold on me.

By wearing the helmet of Salvation we can “destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Cor 10:5). How we think will have a major impact on whether we can stand when the devil hurls his fiery darts.

20/20 Vision

The Roman helmet was known as a galea. It not only guarded the head but it was made with cheek plates to guard the face, a metal piece to cover the back of the neck, and even a brow ridge to shield the eyes from obstructive elements.

We tend to lose hope, and faith when our vision (focus) is shifted from the Saviour, to the problem. The helmet of Salvation helps us to maintain spiritual focus.

Here are five ways to keep on your Helmet:

1. Renew our minds with the truth of God’s Word (Romans 12:2; Psalm 119:9)

2. Refuse and reject doubt, fear and any negative thought (2 Cor 10:5)

3. Keep an eternal perspective (1 Cor 10:31; Isaiah 26:3)

4. Remember that you already have the victory (John 19:30)

5. Have faith (Hebrews 11:1)

Please, do not take your opponent lightly. Do all you can to guard your mind from excessive negative worldly influence.