Does Paul really believe that all women should have long hair, and men should have short hair? Does he believe that women should always answer to men? Read on to find out…
First, let’s not miss the very first verse. Paul says “imitate me as I imitate Christ”. What follows is Pauls’ idea of one way we can do that. The issue here isn’t one of importance or value. Paul isn’t saying “women are less important, so they answer to men”. Rather, what he is saying is “all of us are part of an authority structure, which begins with God. Angels are watching…remember, it was an angel that decided to “buck” the authority structure of heaven (Lucifer) and became the devil when he was soundly defeated. Maybe it’s the fallen angels that are watching…maybe it’s all angels. Either way, heavens creatures are watching to see if we will obey the authority structure of heaven.
Men are subject to God regardless of what position they hold in everyday life. A man could be the owner of a business, or a political leader, but in spiritual matters he answers to God. Therefore, when he comes to worship he is humble and open to hearing what the Lord has to say to him, knowing that it could come from any member of the body. (since all parts are valuable, as we will discuss in the next chapter). In his home, he recognizes that God will likely speak to him about what the home is to look like, and what direction to take. He is in charge of the home, and cannot transfer his responsibility. God gave it to him, and he must rise to the occasion.
On the other hand, Paul says “all men after Adam were born of women”, so they hold equal importance with men. Just like men answer to other men who are in charge of them, women answer to the men who are in charge spiritually. This doesn’t necessarily translate to “women are never allowed to be in charge” because the Bible won’t support that claim. It also doesn’t mean that women don’t hear directly from God for the good of the church. Remember, God spoke to Mary about what he was going to do through her before he spoke to Joseph. Once Mary agreed and was “on board” then Joseph was brought into the loop. Joseph had decided to divorce Mary, but being a man under authority, he was told that he should not do that. Did Mary have to take some leadership role to make it happen? No.
Some time later Mary informs Jesus that the wedding part is out of wine. Jesus says (in a manner of speaking) “That doesn’t have anything to do with me”. Mary simply turns to his friends and says “do whatever he tells you to do”. Pow. Did Mary instruct Jesus on what to do? No. Being his mother, she could have exercised her right and said “do it”…..she could have called to his remembrance “honor your father and mother” and complained that if He didn’t turn the water into wine, then she wouldn’t be honored….. Mary has no need for that. She knows the authority structure of heaven. I believe that Mary was inspired to ask Jesus to turn the water into wine. Once again, God the Holy Spirit is speaking to Mary before the men are “on board”. She presents them with the information, and let’s heaven’s authority structure work as it should.
Anyone who believes that the only way women hear from God is through men really don’t understand the Scripture.
Can women be in charge? Of course. Why not? Deborah led the nation into battle, and when she deferred to the male leader of the military, he refused to take charge….so she continued to lead. (and was very successful). Deborah didn’t violate the authority structure. She was willing to lead, or to serve, and wanted only, ultimately, to serve God.
In our day, we see women leading in ministry positions all over the globe. And, their ministry is blessed. God doesn’t bless disobedience, therefore, we accept that God has a role for women in ministry leadership. Anyone who reads Proverbs 31 will recognize a women who clearly has leadership gifts and abilities.
Now, what about long hair? I’ll keep this “short”. ha ha ha ha ha.. (ahem..)
Paul says “we have no other custom than this”…well, today we have many other customs. And we realize that the length of your hair doesn’t have one thing to do with how spiritual you are. If you are cutting your hair to be rebellious, then you are violating Scripture. If you simply think it looks nice, and you don’t want to spend time maintaining long hair….cut it. Who cares? Ladies, honor your husband by asking him first. God will speak to him and through him. You don’t need his permission, but since your body belongs to him, and his body belong to you, you should consult the rest of your “body” before you make changes…right? In doing this, you honor the Lord. The godly husband will want what is best for you, so you will both be in agreement.
Should men have long hair? Again, who cares? Before you say “all men should have short hair” consider Samson, whose strength was in his Nazarite vow….which meant he never cut his hair. Seriously, the length of your hair isn’t the pressing spiritual issue. Men, check with your wife before you grow your beard, or your hair (or cut it!) Your body belongs to her as well, and she has some say in what you do with it. When you consult your wife, you honor her.
I hope you understand where I’m coming from with all this. I won’t take time in this note to discuss communion. when it comes up again we will discuss it there. Let me only say this: when we receive communion, it’s more than a ritual. In Pauls’ day people were sick and even dying because they had not honored the spiritual element of communion. They were receiving it without asking forgiveness for their greed, envy and jealousy. In doing so, they were harming themselves physically.
When you take communion, make sure you are genuine, honest and transparent before the Lord. Be humble and contrite, and God will bless you for it.
Pledging to remain under the authority of the Creator and Sustainer,
PR
In