1 Corinthians 11:1-6
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the teachings, just as I passed them on to you. 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-it is just as though her head were shaved. If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head.
Paul said: "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." Christians often try to avoid this responsibility by saying, "Please do not look at me, just look at God." Paul was a person who followed Christ in all aspects. Hence, he could call the church to "Follow my example." In what ways should we follow the example of Paul? Chapter 10 verse 33 states not seeking my own good, but only the glory of God. Paul is willing to give up his rights to bring glory to God, and was willing to give up his rights for the good of many.
As such Paul told us not to insist on our own rights, but to be willing to lay them down for Christ and for the people around us. On the cross of Calvary, Jesus did not insist on His own rights. If he did, he would have been in heaven enjoying His riches. However, he gave us his rights on the cross, so that the salvation of God may be manifested in our bodies. We have to follow the spirit of Christ, so that love of God may be manifested through our lives.
There were many women in the church at that time who felt the freedom in Christ, and were no longer in bondage. As such, they did not cover their heads when they preach or pray. Back in those times, based on the culture then, it was a dignified thing to cover your heads. In fact, woman who do not cover their heads were deemed to be promiscuous. As such, those women in the church who did not have their heads covered could be viewed as "unclean". As such Paul taught that although they have the freedom in Christ not to cover their heads, but for the sake of the people around them, they need to be willing to give up their rights. Paul does not prohibit women from praying or preaching, but he encouraged women at that time to sacrifice their rights for the benefit of others and to the glory of God. This is a very important principle. In modern times, although all things are possible, would you and I be willing to give up our rights for God and for those around us?
Lord, we thank you, for you have set us free on the cross. Pray that your love will compel us to see that the love demonstrated for on the cross is a love that is selfless. Help us not to insist on our rights or opinions, but help us lay down our rights for Christ, so that love may flow out of us. We thank you and pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!
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