18 Jun, 2006

Are you wearing your helmet?

The winning Super Bowl quarterback apologizes for not wearing a helmet.
Big Ben might ride again, but not without a helmet.

That was part of the remorseful message from Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on Thursday, in his first comments since a motorcycle accident Monday left him with multiple head and facial injuries.

Roethlisberger, expected to make a complete recovery, was not wearing a helmet when his motorcycle slammed into a car on Second Avenue at the Armstrong Tunnel and 10th Street Bridge. In a statement released through the team late yesterday afternoon, he apologized to his family, the Steelers organization, teammates and fans.

"In the past few days, I have gained a new perspective on life. By the grace of God, I am fortunate to be alive, surrounded by loved ones and lifted by the prayers and support of so many. I am sorry for any anxiety and concern my actions have caused others, specifically my family, the Steelers organization, my teammates and our fans.

"I recognize that I have a responsibility to safeguard my health in the offseason so I can continue to lead our team effectively. I never meant any harm to others nor to break any laws. I was confident in my ability to ride a motorcycle and simply believed such an accident would not happen to me. If I ever ride again, it certainly will be with a helmet."

Ephesians 6:16-18

16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, (ESV)

WHY MUST EVERY FOLLOWER OF CHRIST WEAR THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD ALL OF THE TIME?

If you have been a regular reader of Daily Devos during the past two years, you know how important it is for believers to wear "God's armor". I have used today's scripture several times to remind us about the spiritual battle we face every day. God's power and protection is the only way to win the fight against Satan.

In today's story, "Big Ben" apologizes to his team and fans for not wearing a helmet, which led to a significant injury when he crashed his cycle. (Yes Ben, that was dumb. We're glad you have learned your lesson and that you will recover!)

What about us? As followers of Christ, we know we're in a battle. Satan is hell bent on getting us to crash spiritually. When we believe that we're pretty tough on our own and we either "forget" or ignore God's armor, we can plan on serious spiritual injury - not only to ourselves - but it will also affect the rest of our team - Christ's body! How many times do we need to learn this lesson? Maybe some of us need to apologize to some believers around us?

Paul, the writer of today's scripture, understood the spiritual battle that all of Christ's followers face as individuals. But he is calling not only each of us, but the entire Body of Christ to unite together in our war with Satan and his fallen angels.

To win the the victory in spiritual battle, all of us must wear our helmets (and every piece of God's armor) all the time.

Thank God that being part of Christ's team means that you can count on His power to give you protection against the "crash strategies" of Satan. Ask His Spirit to use the truth of God's Word and your faith in Christ to give you victory over the enemy every day. Right now, confess to God any way in which you have not been wearing His helmet or any other part of His armor. Is it your thought life? Is it your relationships with friends, your parents, or boyfriend or girlfriend? Is it pride or jealousy? Is your focus on worldly possessions rather than serving Christ? Confess your struggle and He will forgive you! Thank Jesus that He will help you get your helmet back on and win the battle tomorrow!

  • Read the entire passage of Ephesians 6:10-19. Read through Paul's list of armor again and ask God to help you focus on the piece you need the most this week. His Spirit will help you put it on.
  • If your lack of using God's armor has affected your relationships with others, go apologize to them and make it right. You will strengthen Christ's "team" when you admit your weakness.
  • If you aren't already in a prayer/accountability group, start one with two others at your school, church or work place.
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