Thursday, August 18, 2011
This week I had to take an online course to instruct me on the symptoms of concussion. As a football official we have to be aware of the possibility of a player getting a concussion. The old adage is true: basketball is a contact sport; football is a collision sport. Unfortunately, some players never get over a concussion. Some are even fatal. So any education in this area is a good thing.
Some of the symptoms of a sport related concussion are: a dazed look, confusion over ones assignment, disoriented (even to the game they are in or the score of the game), a change in behavior. There can be balance problems, fuzzy vision etc... One does not have to be knocked out to have a concussion.
While going through this course it occurred to me that we can experience spiritual concussions in our walk with God. A blow to the head spiritually is a serious thing that can leave us unbalanced, confused, dizzy, dazed and disoriented as to our purpose in life.
Spiritual concussion is such a serious matter that St. Paul addressed it on two occasions. In 1 Thessalonians 5: 8, "But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet." And again in Ephesians 5: 17 as a part of the Christian's armor he says, "Take the helmet of salvation..."
The helmet that protects us from spiritual concussion is our salvation. I love that the Word says to "take" the helmet of salvation. The helmet of salvation is not something we put on but something we take up. We don't earn it. We don't deserve it. But we can take it. We can receive it.
Everyday is a new day to get our head together. To get our thinking straight. To get our life in balance. To know our assignment and to know the score. Everyday is a new day to take the helmet of salvation. Everyday we should be preaching to our head, "I am a Christian. I am God's child. My sins have been totally forgiven. I'm a new creation. I am a victor in Christ. I am saved by grace through faith." That kind of preaching to your head protects you from getting hit with blows that will concuss you.
Physical concussions are serious but spiritual concussions are even more serious. So, take the helmet of salvation and mind your head!
Pastor Tim
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