Week 17: The Shield - Part 3: Dyed for Royalty

This week we will take a look at the Helmet of Salvation in our study of the armour of God.

The helmet's obvious purpose was to protect the head and neck. Research indicated that the typical Roman soldier’s helmet was made from bronze or iron. Many of the helmets had two hinged side pieces to help protect the cheekbones and jaws. The inside of the helmet was often lined with sponge or felt for comfort. Often, the tops of helmets were adorned with dyed horsehair plumes that were removed during battle. A soldier’s rank was distinguished by the color of the plume.

So, why is the helmet important for a Christian soldier? Well, the answer to that is two-fold. The obvious protection provided by the helmet is eternal salvation from hell. Once we have accepted Christ as the Savior and Son of God, we have the helmet of salvation applied. However, the second purpose is for continual daily salvation from temptations and sin. It helps us guard our minds by providing us with hope. The Greek word for the term salvation as used in Ephesians 6:17 is “perikephalaia” meaning protection of the soul which consists in the hope of salvation. When we keep our minds guarded and focused on the Lord, we experience this hope and are able to perform our daily routines in a rational, composed, Christ-like manner. Yet, if we don’t properly suit up and we leave our heads exposed, we can get hit with the cares of this world and live in defeat and hopelessness (and we find ourselves portrayed like the old saying “running around like a chicken with our heads cut off!”) Have you ever experienced such mental franticness? Needless to say, it’s not a pretty sight, is it? Friend, the Lord never intended for us to live a frantic Christian life. I am so guilty of leaving my helmet off. I get caught up in all of the duties that I have with work, taking care of my home, fulfilling my wife and motherly duties, and well, you get the picture. Then, about halfway through the day, I can find myself downright beside myself. I’ve left my mind unguarded, picked up worry, fears, and franticness and I start to mentally look like a decapitated chicken….left in this state too long and I can begin to look this way outwardly too! Ever been there? No doubt, we all probably have at some time or another. That is why Christ says to put on the helmet of salvation that He has given to us. We can rest in the peace and comfort of the helmet knowing that we have hope in an omnipotent, omniscient Father. Nothing takes Him by surprise and He is fully capable of handling all of our cares. So, when you arise each day, slip on your helmet and know that you look fabulous to Christ as you place your hope in Him and don your plume that is undoubtedly dyed for royalty. After all, you are a child of the King.

References

Holy Bible, KJV

Strong's Concordance with Hebrew and Greek Lexicon, http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Eph&c=6&v=17&t=KJV#17

Helmet of Salvation, http://www.christcenteredmall.com/teachings/armor-of-god-6.htm