The best advice is often the most simple advice.  A proliferation of words, big words, doesn’t always make the most profound verbal presentation. Rather, the basic words, briefly spoken but wisely chosen can often be the best to both impact lives of others and be memorable as well.

Paul begins this segment of his letter to the Corinthians with a simple yet powerful word of advice.  He is not arrogant but dutifully humble.  As he follows the example of Christ, so he urges other believers to follow his example in life.

An example doesn’t always require a visual or geographical presence.  For Paul if believers chose to mimic Paul’s life based on his teachings, that was a duplication in itself that is most satisfying.  This was beyond pleasure, this action deserves praise.

There is a divine order for life.  God is the ultimate head, even of Jesus Christ.  Jesus is then the authority over every man.  If a man is following this pattern then he is God’s representative head of his wife or daughter.

Headship is important in life.  When it is properly followed then it is also worth visually displaying it.  That’s what head covering was design to do in the historical culture of the Corinthians day.

This perspective and practice was not  just about authority.  It also was a display of glory.  God who is glorified in our lives when we follow His example, is also glorified down the chain of headship. 

Creation illustrates this order.  Sequence is important in the beginning.  As the woman came from man, so the order of headship and glory should reflect this too.

God’s creative process is intricate.  It is never a basis to support superiority or inferiority.  Rather, there is a divine blessing on the relationship component of women and men.  Mutual respect as a support to this dynamic relationship.  No one should miss this.

Whether someone wants to push the visual features of hair length or argue order in the place of the spiritual priority of God being the head is misjudging the teaching of the apostle.  Men and women are distinct.  God is over both.  When we follow His order, life in relationship is amazing.

Attitude is a test for accuracy.  Sour judgmental attitudes over others is spurious.  Rather, reasonableness reflects spiritual priorities.  Those who want to fight over details at the expense of God being acknowledged as our final authority can never be convinced, even by God.

1 corinthians 11.1-16

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