The first line of a NASCAR race opening ceremony is, “Would you please rise and remove your hats.” In our culture, it is a sign of respect for what follows: the presentation of the colors (flag), a prayer for safety, and the playing of the national anthem. That part of racing culture helps us wade through the next Corinthian Controversy.
Beginning in Chapter 11 and continuing through Chapter 14, Paul addresses various topics regarding maintaining respectful and peaceful order when the church gathers. On the surface, the first topic seems trivially to be all about hair, but there’s more to consider than the length of one’s haircut .“Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold fast to the traditions just as I delivered them to you. But I want you to know that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of the woman, and God is the head of Christ. Every man who prays or prophesies with something on his head dishonors his head. Every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since that is one and the same as having her head shaved. For if a woman doesn’t cover her head, she should have her hair cut off. But if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her head be covered.” (1 Corinthians 11:2–6, CSB)
By considering the whole section (1 Corinthians 11:2-16) we can develop a practical understanding that can be applied across all cultures. The primary principle is equality with respect. Paul’s example is the relationship between God and Christ (vs 3). We know Christ is God the Son, equal with God, yet submitted to God. Christ is not diminished because of this but glorified. The same is true of men and women, equal yet different.
Paul underscores this equality by saying, “But among the Lord’s people, women are not independent of men, and men are not independent of women. For although the first woman came from man, every other man was born from a woman, and everything comes from God.” (1 Corinthians 11:11–12, NLT) Equality in this is not necessarily equal outcomes or opportunities but value. That value is one given by Christ, for He highly valued each one of us by laying down His life for us.
First, however, we must respect God and Christ. Jesus is our Lord, Savior, and head of the church. There are many ways of expressing our respect for God. Paul talks about our posture and attitudes in prayer. What is and isn’t respectful will have a cultural component defining that respect. In some cultures, it is respectful to stand; in others, respect is shown by bowing.
The respect part of equality with each other recognizes the various roles of one another. This is not just a man/woman thing but extends to all. Later in this section on order in the church, Paul will summarize, “What then, brothers and sisters? Whenever you come together, each one has a hymn, a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Everything is to be done for building up.” (1 Corinthians 14:26, CSB) Throughout the New Testament, roles, responsibilities, and giftings are recognized through the lens of mutuality, family, and equality. Whether your role is setting up chairs, speaking the word, or cleaning up after, you are highly valued.
I know that there is an elephant in the room that we haven’t addressed. We talked about equality between men and women but not about the differences. In the broad scope of the church, there are a variety of views. There is not enough space in this format to flesh out everything the Bible says about it. I believe that men and women are created differently, with complementary roles and abilities. Those roles, however, are not as rigid as some would maintain. But all of this is wrapped up in sacrificial servant leadership as modeled by Christ. As in many Biblical principles, there is a tension to embrace. In this case, the tension is between equality and respecting the Biblical roles of others.
But what about the hair? Is this a mandate from God about hats and hair length? Some have taken it to that place. In my mind, the principle is more important than the practice. Are we respectful when we pray? What is and is not respectful is often a part of our culture. Is long hair for women and short hair for men always culturally significant? Is having our head covered or uncovered a sign of respect towards God? That, again, is most often a cultural matter. If I’m wearing a hat, I always take it off to pray since my heart tells me it is right. You must determine in your heart what is respectful and disrespectful towards God and one another.
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