“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).
The Rock of Gibraltar stands sentinel over the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. A huge limestone structure, it is laced with tunnels that were dug beginning in 1779 during the Great Siege, when Spain and France tried to take control of the Rock from Great Britain. We went on a guided tour of these tunnels, which was fascinating, but what struck me as I walked through these tunnels were the signs posted everywhere that said, “Watch your head!” We had no hard hats to protect us; we were expected to duck whenever the need arose because many of these subterranean passageways were quite low, and smashing one’s head upon the rocks could be quite devastating.
That reminded me of another warning to protect my head. In the first part of Ephesians 6:17, we are told to “take the helmet of salvation.” Just as a hard hat protects the head from physically damage, the helmet of salvation protects us spiritually. The latter part of the verse adds, “and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” As we read, study, and memorize Scripture, it becomes imbedded in our minds to help us “withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13). The protection our salvation through Christ offers us is strength and power in His might (Ephesians 6:10).
The “Great Siege” in which we are engaged is for the souls of men. With our helmet of salvation securely in place, guarding our minds in Christ Jesus, we can finish preparing ourselves to go forward into battle for our God. Not only must we protect our minds from the wiles of the devil, we must also continually refresh our supply of ammunition to be ready for any confrontation by the enemy. We must take up the Spirit’s sword, the Word of the Lord, and hide its words in our heart that we might not sin against God. Only then will we be clothed in the full armour of God, ready to do battle.
So, watch your head!
“In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.” Psalm 62:7
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No warrior goes into battle unprepared. Make sure you are well equipped.