"Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head." (1 Corinthians 11:3-5 NIV)
I must admit that when I first read today's passage I did not know where to start. How do you interpret something in the Bible that is so culturally foreign? I read the passage in a couple of translations and still wondered what the take-a-ways were. Then I decided to read some study notes in my study Bible. It made a big difference, and helped guide me to what I believe is a very solid application.
In talking about head coverings and length of hair, Paul is saying that believers should look and behave in ways that are honorable in their own culture. In many cultures long hair on men is considered appropriate and masculine. In Corinth, it was thought to be a sign of male prostitution in the pagan temples. And women with short hair were labeled prostitutes. Paul was saying that in the Corinthian culture, Christian women should keep their hair long. If short hair on women was a sign of prostitution, then a Christian woman with short hair would find it difficult to be a believable witness for Jesus Christ. Paul wasn't saying we should adopt all the practices of our culture but that we should avoid appearances and behavior that detract from our ultimate goal of being witnesses for Jesus Christ.Today, as an act of worship, honor the Lord with your appearance and behavior. As you worship God make sure you are not telling God one thing while telling the world something else at the same time.
- note from the NLT Life Application Study Bible
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