Brothers & Sisters,
I realize that certain things can be a very sensitive subject to some people. I believe that we must obey all the teachings of Christ and when we come to certain passages in the bible we struggle because we have a hard time understanding exactly what the apostles were saying around 2000 years ago. We have a hard time distinguishing the difference in the principle that is binding and the custom that may not be binding.
The principles of authority and ordinances in 1 cor. 11 are binding and are to continue until the return of Christ. Paul also stated that if eating meat offended my brother than he would eat no mean as long as the world stands. He also said that “one man esteems one day above another and another man esteems every day alike” let every man be persuaded in his own heart. It seems that Paul was considering that some Jews were having a hard time with the freedom that the new covenant brought about so he just stated for us not to judge one another but we were not to do anything that would cause others to stumble.
The main teaching of the head covering is that God has an order of things and a line of authority. He always wants there to be a clear distinction in the sexes and a proper line of authority that we are to recognize. We are not to bring dishonor to our head. We are not to cause confusion and we are to properly submit to God’s authority. The apostle Paul only mentioned the head covering in Corinth and also short hair and long hair. I believe he was using custom and nature because that is the environment that we live in. The Jews had customs and so did the Greeks and so does the church of God.
Now some believe that the custom of wearing a covering other than hair on a woman’s head is a commandment for the church throughout the ages for women. I for one do not personally believe that whether a woman wears an extra covering on her head or doesn't is the beauty of her submission. The beauty of her submission is in her heart yielded in obedience to Christ the Lord and her husband by love.
I would not want to do anything to destroy true submission unto the Lord but if we think that the only way true submission for women can be achieved is the custom of a certain head covering then I think we have missed the whole passage of 1 cor. 11:2-16.
Finally, the customs you are living in have a lot to do with how you act and carry yourself. Now if you are in a certain area where customs mean certain things and the majority of the people know it then it can matter. I will not tell a woman that is wearing a certain head covering not to do so. I also wouldn't tell a women who loved God and was truly submissive in her heart as best she knew how that she needed to wear an extra head covering other than her hair to truly be submissive when it was not a custom she knew anything about nor others around her.
Blessings...from brother rbanks
