Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him, but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her? For her hair is given to her for a covering. But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God.
Paul begins by commanding the members of the church at Corinth to make a judgment as to whether or not it is proper for women to exercise authority in corporate worship gatherings. When Paul uses the word proper here, he is referring to whether something is suitable or fitting.
Paul then provides the church some factors to consider when making their judgment. When Paul talks about nature here, he is referring to the regular or established order of things. The issue of long hair here is not just the length of hair; most historians believe that Paul is referring to the effeminate way that some men in the city of Corinth would wear their long hair.
Paul here is addressing whether or not something was socially acceptable and normal. If Paul was writing this today in our cultural context, he would ask “ is it the normal or established order of things for a man to wear a dress to church”? To which our answer would be "no, it isn’t". A man wearing a dress to church would be viewed as dishonorable for that man. However, a woman wearing a nice dress to church would be socially acceptable and would even enhance her reputation or status in some circles. And in the same way, when a women lovingly comes under the leadership of godly men, whether in a marriage or in the church, they result is a favorable and enhanced reputation.
Paul then concludes this section of his letter by telling those who would want to push back and be quarrelsome and contentious when it comes to the role of men and women in the church, there is no other practice, nor have the churches of God. In other words, the members of the church at Corinth were not progressive; the members of the church at Corinth were rebellious. And as Christians, however, men and women can act in confusion when we fail to follow what is fitting.
Now, you may be wondering, “Well, Dave, how do we apply these words from Paul at the church where you serve?” Great question, glad you asked. At City Bible Church, we believe that men and woman are of equal value and worth in God’s sight. We believe that men and women both have been equipped and empowered with spiritual gifts that are to be used as they invest their time, talents, and treasure into God’s Kingdom mission. And we believe that women can serve in every ministry environment at City Bible Church, except those environments that require that a person meet the qualifications of being an Elder or Deacon.
We believe that as men, we need to stop being cowards and chauvinists and instead grow up and embrace our responsibility to lovingly lead our homes and God’s church. We believe that men have a benevolent responsibility to lovingly lead, provide, and protect women in ways that are appropriate to their relationship.
We believe that women are to respond to godly male leadership with an outlook that is inclined to lovingly yield and follow that godly male leadership. And we believe that when men and women function in interdependent relationships, we reveal and reflect God’s design for marriage, families and partnership in ministry.
So, how often do you find yourself confusing value and roles? Men, how often are you acting as a coward or chauvinist instead of lovingly leading, protecting, and providing for women in ways that are appropriate for their relationship? Women, how often are you seeking to rebel against any Godly male leadership? What do you think needs to change in you life and the life of the church?
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