Time Out (by Jerry Schmoyer)

Football is a touch sport. Thus, it requires special equipment to protect those who participate. The players don’t have to provide their own equipment, the team owner does that. But players must avail themselves of the equipment and use it. How foolish would it be for a football player to decided he didn’t want to wear a helmet, or to leave his cleats in the locker room? God also provides the protection those who fight on His team need.

The helmet is one of the most important pieces of equipment for a football player. Last year 36,412 football related head injuries were treated in hospital emergency rooms. These can cause lifelong disability or paralysis – or even death. That’s why new rules state that a play is immediately dead if a player loses his helmet.

For the Christian, too, proper head protection is essential. We are first attacked in our thoughts and attitudes, our motives and values, our priorities and beliefs. Every sin starts as a thought. All our actions begin as ideas and beliefs. Thoughts determine actions. The enemy attacks our mind to defeat or discourage us. So God provides the helmet of salvation to guard our thoughts.

The helmets of some football players contain small radios so the coach can talk directly to the player and give him the guidance he needs. We, too, need to listen to God as He guides and directs us through our game of life. So get in the game, play your decision but make sure you wear your helmet when you do so!

Scripture
Ephesians 6:10-18, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand…. Take the helmet of salvation…”

Romans 12:1-2, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer 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.”

Reflect

• How is your thought life? If the images and thoughts that you allow in your head were broadcast for your family and friends to see, how would you feel?
• Take a moment to confess any and all thoughts or attitudes that are sin.
• Would you say your attitude to your ministry is what God would want it to be? Where does it need to change? Pray about that now.
• Ask God to put His helmet of salvation on your head daily so you have His thoughts and the mind of Christ.

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Jerry Schmoyer has been a minister in Pennsylvania for over 25 years and has worked with teenagers for 14 years, ever since I became one myself. He authors the weekly Time Out series here at Life in Student Ministry in hopes to spiritually refresh your soul as you continually pour so much of yourself into students. God bless!

Posted on January 11, 2009