Providing Proper Covering

Scripture: Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. 1 Corinthians 11:4-5

Observation: Paul establishes different rules for men and women in the church, declaring men as the head over women. As the husband of a female pastor, this is a lesson I need to take seriously.

It is very clear that Paul is addressing issues within the church of Corinth. He began as far back as chapter 5 addressing issues very specific to this one church. There was ... a case of an incestual relationship, lawsuits between believers, specific sexual immorality, questions of marriage and divorce, eating of food sacrificed to idols (a major issue in Corinth), complaints about Paul himself made by church members, proper feasts, personal consciousness around diets, men and women covering their heads in worship and prayer, proper eating of the Lord's supper, questions of spiritual gifts, and overall division within the church. Note the issue around men and women is in the middle of all this. There is little doubt that this instruction is specific to an ethical question within the church of Corinth.

It is also likely, given how many of the issues raised involve matters of sexual relationship and the fact this is mostly about coving one's head, that this is about provocative dress. At the time, a woman who fully exposed her head and face, wore some makeup, did her hair nicely ... would have clearly been looking to attract a man. While this happens, Paul is being clear that this is not an activity one does during prayer and worship.

There is a problem with this in the church of Corinth - some women are attending prayer meetings dressed in a manner to find a man, not worship the Lord - and Paul is saying not to do this. This passage has nothing to do with a hierarchy defined within the Church of Jesus Christ ... we know from Paul's history of honoring churches run by women that this would be ridiculous.

Application: I have watched people who use passages like this one to condemn my wife's position in the church. I am often amazed when such condemnation comes from other women. However, I want to also understand my place, as a man married to a church leader.

I am covering for my wife. This means, I am to protect her ... physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I have learned over time that it is these last two - emotionally and spiritually - that are most important.

During this time, I should be doing more to take care of my wife emotionally. She struggles as much as I do but shows it differently. I can "cover" her by praying over her daily, continually, over and over. That is the "general" instruction and context of this specific guidance from Paul.

Prayer: Lord, today I pray for my wife. She is a blessing to me, and also to so many around her. Please have your hand upon her mind, her spirit, and her health this day. Help her to be confident in you, and sound in her mind, as we continue through this time. As she needs, please guide and instruct me in how I can support her as well. Amen.