There’s one more facet to the Helmet of Salvation. Helmets protects the vital organs in our heads. Primarily our brains, our minds, our thoughts. Like wise, when we are saved in Christ, we have powerful truths protecting our minds.
We humans can be pretty tough on ourselves and others, and that cruelty starts in our minds. We humans can also believe lies about ourselves. That we are flawed, that we are hopeless, that we are damaged goods, that we are not capable, and a whole host of other lies. We can really struggle. But salvation reminds us that we are loved, that God reaches out to us in Jesus, who became one of us, to rescue us.
This is why Paul writes in Romans 12:1-2, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Salvation helps us renew our minds because we are loved by God. When he saves us he gives us gifts Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
Dwell on the fact that God loves us, that he saves us for his mission to share that love with others, and that he gives us unique gifts to help us fulfill that mission. God created you to do all of this, alongside others. Paul also writes, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” What wonderful news!
From that foundation, we move toward mission, toward purpose, using our gifts and talents for him, wherever you happen to be in this life. This is a heart posture, the Helmet of Salvation is for now, no matter if you are in school, working a job you love, or working a job you’re just doing to make ends meet. No matter if you are retired, raising a family, or single. You have purpose and can be on mission. You are saved for that mission.
That brings us back to the renewing of the mind that salvation sets in motion. The reality of God’s love for you that sets you on mission is the truth that helps us fight the devil’s schemes of discouragement, doubt and bitterness. You put on the Helmet of Salvation and remember you are saved for mission. God is with you, he loves you, and he has gifted you for mission. He has placed you in a community here to support you and work together with you.
Who can you talk with about how you might grow in this area? How can you look around at your current circumstances and see them as part of your mission and purpose?
Photo by Uday Mittal on Unsplash
Engaging Scripture 