Fighting Fire

Ephesians 6:13-17  CSB

“For this reason, take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God.”

Tradition is a strong part of the fire service. Some bad and some good. A bad example would be that it was always a badge of honor to have dirty, worn gear. It meant that you did work…. until it was discovered that it was a major cause of cancer and the reason that a professional firefighter’s life expectancy was a decade less than the general public.

One great tradition that is a source of pride to many firefighters is also our 5^th piece of fire gear… THE HELMET. The traditional fire helmet was designed 200 years ago and was a bold statement about the nature of the work, although I have to believe that it was more about pomp than safety.  There’s a push to replace the traditional helmet with the Euro-style helmet that looks like a 70’s motorcycle helmet. Most American firefighters would rather fight fire naked than wear one of those goofy things.    Next thing, they’ll try to replace the fire trucks with electric mopeds! I digress. The traditional helmet is an iconic look that conveys history, experience, and brotherhood.

Advantages of a Traditional Helmet

Functionally, the firefighter faces numerous threats to his or her head. Tradition aside, the most vital function of the helmet is to ensure the firefighter isn’t impaired by the threats, but instead is able to remain clear headed and focused.  We often tear down ceilings and work underneath decaying building structures, so the advantage of a sturdy helmet is obvious.

What you might not expect is that the traditional helmet has a reverse duckbill which is meant to divert water and contaminants behind and away from the body. Euro helmets don’t have that. Point trad helmet.

At the most prominent place of the helmet, there’s a large leather shield that identifies the radio number of the firefighter and the department they work for. The color of the helmet can differentiate between a probie (probational firefighter), line firefighter, officer, or even Chief.

Finally, it’s a symbol of strength and pride. There’s a brass eagle at the crest to remind us of that..  I’ve been gifted my helmets from departments that I have served on because for most firefighters, it’s a symbol and an anchor of the service. It’s not just protective gear, it’s a symbol of who we are.  Firefighters are, and rightfully so, a proud group that takes joy in their dedication to the service and sacrifice to their community.

Illustrative of Salvation

Ephesians 6 tells us to take the Helmet of Salvation. Like a helmet, salvation is the crowning garment of protection and identity. We are called to wear it publicly as a symbol of God’s faithfulness to us.  Our salvation in Jesus Christ should be the first thing folks learn about us.

Why you need the Helmet of Salvation

Salvation Protects Our Head – The mind is a battleground and thoughts, doubts, and temptations are the flaming projectiles meant to kill us spiritually.   The helmet of salvation acts as a safeguard, protecting the mind from the attacks of the enemy.

Any combat sport veteran will tell you “Control the head, control the body. Where the head goes, the body follows.” Right actions follow right thinking… The challenge to us believers is to make sure our salvation is the lens that we view the world because if we remember what the Chief has done for us, it changes what we think which changes how we act.

Romans 12:2 CSB

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

First responders have a different mindset…. They rush in when others rush out. We as Christ-followers realize that others may believe and behave a certain way, but we’ve been saved and that changes our mindset. We are on mission and that requires a transformed mind before we can even leave the station.

Salvation Preserves Our Direction – When we remember and are confident in our salvation, when we consider the rescue mission that Jesus undertook to save us, we should be excited to go from victim to rescuer ourselves.  Our salvation orients us towards God’s mission of rescuing others.

The Enemy would love to disorient us and cause us to turn from God. He would love for us to go in any direction that’s not toward our Savior.  By firmly grasping the truth of salvation, we can filter our thoughts, discern falsehood, and align our thinking with the principles of God’s Word. The helmet of salvation equips Christians to have a renewed and transformed mind, enabling us to resist the enemy’s schemes and embrace a biblical worldview that requires action.

James 2:17 CSB

“In the same way faith, if it does not have works, is dead by itself.”

Salvation Declares Our Identity – Our salvation ensures that we know who we are. By remembering our salvation and the price paid for us, we can stay focused on who we are in Christ.. Our salvation in Christ should be a constant theme of our communication. We share our faith starting with the declaration of God’s saving work in our lives.

Psalm 107:2 CSB

“Let the redeemed of the Lord proclaim that he has redeemed them from the power of the foe.”

Debrief:

1. Do the people in your life know that you’re a believer – not that you’re just religious but that you’ve been saved by the Most High God? Do they know that you’re on a Mission to take as many people to Heaven with you?
2. How can an identity as a born-again believer change the way you act and think around others?

Report to the Chief:

Ask God to help you live worthy of the identity of a Christ-follower.

Feedback

Please use the comments below to give me some feedback. What could have made this post more powerful in your life? Anything not make sense or flow well? Any comments to make it more faithful to Scripture?