Recall that among the pieces of our spiritual armor are “the breastplate of righteousness,” which protects our heart, and “the helmet of salvation,” which protects our mind. Learning to use these provisions effectively can mean the difference between victory and defeat.​—Ephesians 6:14-17; Proverbs 4:23; Romans 12:2.

Putting on “the helmet of salvation” involves keeping vividly in mind the marvelous blessings ahead, not allowing ourselves to be sidetracked by the glitter and glamour of the world. (Hebrews 12:2, 3; 1 John 2:16) Having this outlook will help us to put spiritual interests ahead of material gain or personal advantage. (Matthew 6:33) Thus, to be sure that we have this piece of armor properly in place, we must honestly ask ourselves: What am I pursuing in life? Do I have specific spiritual goals? What am I doing to reach them? Whether of the remaining anointed Christians or of the multitudinous “great crowd,” we should imitate Paul, who said: “I do not yet consider myself as having laid hold on it; but there is one thing about it: Forgetting the things behind and stretching forward to the things ahead, I am pursuing down toward the goal.​—Revelation 7:9; Philippians 3:13, 14.