Devotional For Men

Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:17, NLT

Like most essential pieces of military armament, the helmet has undergone radical upgrades, but a modern soldier still doesn't go to battle without one. The same can be said for the evolution of headgear worn by the warriors of the gridiron. Look at an early football helmet, and you wonder what they were thinking! A little padded leather might be better than skull-to-skull contact but not by much. Visit almost any construction site and you will see the required "hardhat zone" signs. It doesn't take much of a blow to the head to make one appreciate the awkwardness of wearing a hardhat. In a profound sense, wearing a helmet is a no-brainer! In the spiritual realm, Paul finds that salvation serves as a virtual helmet. The picture leads to a number of thoughts. Salvation ought to be on our minds. In comparison with the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation needs to be settled on our "heads." Faith is in motion, flexible, and shifting to meet a particular challenge. But salvation must be firmly fixed on us. Our helmet isn't forgotten, but once we put it on it becomes part of us. Earlier in Ephesians, Paul pointed out that salvation (like a soldier's helmet) is issued to us as a gift. "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it" (Eph. 2:8-9). The strength of a helmet doesn't come from the head it protects; it comes from the materials that make up the helmet. Our helmet of salvation comes from God. The power of salvation is his power. The protection we can count on and the confidence that our sins have been forgiven are not based on our efforts but on God's gift. Today as you face the dangers of spiritual warfare and the challenges of the game of life, make sure you've taken care of the basics. Salvation is your helmet. Don’t leave home without it.