Ephesians 6:17

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

(v17, NIV)

Protecting your head is a fairly important thing to do. I don't think I need to go into much detail the severe effects of various head injuries. Most people can understand the severity of any sort of injury to the head. Not only did they wear helmets back then going to war, but we can see helmets in everyday life. You may see a motorcyclist driving by on a motorcycle wearing a helmet. People may be wearing a helmet while they are riding their bicycle or roller blades. Many people playing sports will wear a helmet during the game. In addition to all other kinds of protective equipment we may see people using from time to time, the helmet is one of the most (if not the most) common of the protective equipment. Then again, you may argue that a seat belt is more common if you consider that as a piece of protective equipment that you wear. Regardless, here in this passage Paul is talking about the helmet of salvation.

The act of wearing the helmet of salvation menas knowing and reminding yourself that you are saved. We will face trials and tribulations in this life. However, we have faith knowing that this is not our best life now. This is our worst life now. Though we may encounter pleasures and happiness in this life, it only pales in comparison to the unsurpassable joys we will experience in eternity in heaven. So, when we are faced with difficulties on earth, wearing the helmet of salvation helps protect us from those things. Knowing and remembering that we have been saved by God's grace doesn't eliminate those problems that we face. However, it helps put things into perspective. This time on earth is a short amount of time. Years upon years on this earth may seem like a long time, but that's nothing compared to eternity in heaven. Wear the salvation that faith in Christ brings and the heavy burdens we bear become but mere insignificant dust. Know and live with the reality of your salvation.

I must address the matter of salvation. I'll keep it short. Yes, we are to wear the helmet of salvation. However, for many of us, maybe the first question we should ask is whether we truly are saved or not. Do not deceive yourselves.

Also, salvation doesn't dictate our actions. By this I mean, we don't do things because of salvation. Rather, we look even further to the one who grants salvation. The Lord Almighty is great and worthy of praise.