The Importance of Armor Maintenance: The Helmet

This is the sixth segment in an eight-part series.

from Cossondra

Many teachings about the Helmet of Salvation regard protecting our thoughts. Frequently used in those teachings is Romans 12:2, which says, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Taking control of our thoughts is, indeed, highly important. Corrupted thoughts can lead us down the wrong roads. Dwelling on something like fear or temptation can lead us to sin, changing our minds and causing us to compromise our choices and our faith. We will talk more about fear later.

But while this is a valid and valuable teaching, I believe there is more to the Helmet of Salvation than just thought management. Because the head governs the rest of the body, a physically damaged brain will affect the efficiency of every other bodily system.

Modern soldiers recognize the importance of protecting their heads. As a result, today's military helmet is constructed with bulletproof material and fitted with foam inserts that help with comfort and protection from concussive blasts. But to the basic helmet, soldiers can add various attachments. For example, headsets allow for hearing protection and communication, and goggles permit night vision. Microphones allow soldiers to direct others or call for help. There are also lights to cut the dark, strobes to alert air support, and cameras to record incidents. There are even attachments that hold items like medical supplies and patches that signify unit affiliation and blood type.

Salvation is our greatest gift and our most powerful blessing. But in what ways does salvation protect our heads? It is about more than blocking sinful thoughts. Salvation restores us to right living with God, Our salvation protects us from faulty ways of approaching problems and perceiving situations. It helps us to see circumstances through the filters of truth and love, allowing us to make good decisions. If not, we get off track and wander away from lives of faith and righteousness.

Protection comes with the Helmet of Salvation, but, like modern soldiers, we have a lot of cool attachments, too. We can have improved communication with the Lord, increased ability to see in dark times, and spiritual aid supplies.

Helmet Maintainance

We should constantly be maintaining our helmets. The best way to keep them free from rust is to apply oil. Oil in the Bible represents the Holy Spirit, and when we are saved, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside of us. So, maintaining our salvation doesn't mean that we have to keep asking to be saved. Instead, it means that we partner with the Holy Spirit as we move through our everyday lives. We listen to promptings and convictions, and we move in the power of the anointing, reaching out to others in the love of God.

Helmet Damage

A shot to the head is often referred to as a kill shot. However, our helmet, protecting our most vital organ, is made of a strong material: salvation.

Damage to the Helmet of Salvation can come through doubt, pride, and even church hurt. We must be aware of possible damage and know when to begin repair.

Helmet Repair

Repairing our Helmet of Salvation is done by working out our salvation with fear and trembling, recognizing that God works in us. (Philippians 2:12)

Take a deep breath. I know that this scripture has sometimes been used as a weapon against Christians, causing division and hurt. But instead of arguing the truth or intricacies of eternal salvation or works or faith, we would all spend our time better by checking our own location in our salvation experience.

I've heard this verse taught in numerous ways. One is that working out means to reason, as with a problem. Another is that working out is practicing, like working your muscles. I've also heard it taught that we must fear the Lord to the point that it causes trembling.

Let's talk about that fear. The same word for fear in Philippians 2:12 is the one used in these verses:

When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. (Matthew 14:26)

And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. (Matthew 28:8)

And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? (Mark 4:41)

In these scriptures, I am sure the people were trembling, but it wasn't entirely from being frightened. Some part of it comes with wonder and awe.

Look at this explanation of these uses of "fear" from Strongs Concordance: "used to describe the anxiety of one who distrusts his ability completely to meet all requirements"

That makes a lot of sense to me. As we work out our salvation, we need to distrust our personal abilities! If we rely on ourselves to solve our problems, we compromise the strength of our helmets. However, if we work out our salvation by putting a lot of thought into it and practicing it with love and faith and awe-for-God, we are reinforcing our helmets.

Remember, the brain is the central location of operation, directing every other part of the body. If our brain is damaged, other systems don’t function correctly. If salvation isn’t worked out, our spiritual lives don’t function correctly, either.