Head Covering for Men and Women THE LAW OF MOSES AND HEAD COVERING  Under the Law of Moses men were commanded to let particular areas of their hair grow. (Lev. 19:27) Although not spoken of in the law of Moses, It also became traditional for Jewish men to cover their head, with a tallit "prayer shawl," while praying.
Leviticus 19:27 "Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard." NIV
Consider that when Paul wrote about head covering in 1 Cor. 11, Praying and Prophesying were the activities in question and the Jewish tallit "prayer shawl" as well as men's hair styles were apparently the targeted areas of Paul's concern. The Women's covering of long hair was only used as an earthly example to symbolize a greater spiritual problem. Paul was illustrating that we dishonor Jesus when we embrace legalistic Judaism and thereby devalue Christ's perfect work. In short, we as the bride of Christ appear "shaven" when coming before Him through our own righteousness!
A NEW STANDARD FOR THE NEW TESTAMENT When the New Covenant was established many of the old traditions of the Jews were set aside. Paul demonstrated that the old grooming requirements of the Law had now become shameful and dishonoring to Christ! (Serious Stuff!) This much is easily understood. As we consider the men's covering (Mosaic hair style) and also the likely introduction of the Jewish tallit "prayer shawl" we begin to understand that the "Judaizers" were at work in Corinth. If this is correct than we can be sure that they were trying to bring the gentile men under the old traditions of the Jews. This is a real possibility because, the "Judaizers" followed Paul where ever he traveled. Putting ones' faith in outward trappings would truly dishonor Christ by devaluing His complete and perfect sacrifice.
Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Consider how that "Judaizers" are still active today! I have recently heard some prominent Christian ministers teach, "You haven't truly found depth in prayer until you cover your head with the prayer shawl." I question, why should we pick up a dead tradition that dishonors Christ?
1 Corinthians 11:4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. (CHRIST) 1 Corinthians 11:14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
 EXACTLY HOW DID PAUL DEFINE HEAD COVERING?
"1 Corinthians 11:15 . . . hair is given her for a covering."
 THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY -- THE LADIES SIDE 1 Corinthians 11:5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: (husband) for that is even all one as if she were shaven. 6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
While men were directed away from long Mosaic hair stiles and prayer shawls if applicable. The women were simply used as an easily understood "symbol" to illustrate a spiritual truth. (Many are still missing Paul's point!) Everyone knew that women covered their heads with lengthy hair and most also assert some type of cloth. Paul was telling us, that if a woman came to Church with cut off hair, her husband would be "put to the blush." Paul used this example of the woman to teach us that it would embarrass Christ for the man to grow jewish locks or cover his head during prayer. Why, because Jesus offered the perfect sacrifice and Moses' law was already satisfied! The men's head covering was part of that outmoted system of worship.
 LOOKING DOWN ON REALITY Although it is not a moral issue, a covered wife (one with hair) does matter. Think about taking your "skin headed" bride to the meeting. Does such a wife honor her husband? What husband would want that kind of attention? Worse yet, what if the lady added to the unwelcome attention by speaking out? Such an unfortunate man might suggest, "Please dear, wear this wig or hat." With Paul we concur and recognize that it is easy to see that a woman should have a covering of some sort!!! (Please, no disrespect meant toward cancer patience or naturally balding men.)
1 Corinthians 11:5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: (husband) for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
 How can anyone measure their spirituality by their form of dress or stile of hair? Always deal with the inner man first and let modesty be a natural outgrowth of a changed heart. Never forget that Paul was using this easily understood example to explain that it is uncomely and more so dishonoring to Christ if we as Christians embrace the dead Jewish traditions.
WHAT ABOUT WOMEN WEARING A HEAD COVERING OF CLOTH ALL OF THE TIME? 1 Corinthians 11:15 . . . hair is given her for a covering." We understand that some ladies feel more assured by wearing a cloth covering in church. Such a covering has been traditional in many historical cultures. Some ladies demonstrate their lack of logic by feeling bound to a perpetual head covering. You cannot have it just one way! I challenge all the men to let up on the poor week ladies. Men, you must embrace consistency or remove your "Christ dishonoring" hats! Self effacing ladies you too must let up on your selves and honor Christ in a life of truth, worship, and love for the lost. No hat can substitute for the adorning of "...the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." (1 Peter 3:4) I am aquatinted with one precious sister (You are loved!) that wears a cloth head covering at all times, because, she may pray or prophesy at any moment. If this logic has any merit then I truly hope that I don't have to call out for God to help me while out in the Sun or cold. Remember that we are all commanded to "pray without ceasing." This would put all hat-wearing men into a life-stile of dishonor to Christ! Such reasoning is totally ludicrous! This would make all hat-wearing men fit for hell and with no hope of salvation. Mean while the hatless lady would simply shame her husband. Please, be sure and be consistent in the whole question of head covering. Above all receive the covering of his spirit. Isn't it strange that some of the most active head covering communities (Amish types) keep their men in fine hats? Legalism is always embarrassing to its most faithful children.
ON THE LIGHT SIDE Could bald be beautiful? Yes, during the mid 1960 I heard a silly song about the "bald headed woman." The singer explained how that the raven headed, red headed, and golden hared woman would disappoint you or leave you broken hearted. However, the bald headed woman would always stay true! It seems to me that we might do with a few more bald headed women. Remember that a wild woman is a wild woman and a little hat will never tame her soul. That hat will only fool her power hungry husband. If you are man enough to keep your woman true without keeping a bag on her head then step up and play the man!
ON THE SERIOUS SIDE LET'S CHOOSE THE BEST HEAD COVERING -- GOD'S SPIRIT Isaiah 30:1-2 Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: 2 That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! TONGUES OF FIRE Acts 2:1-4 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
FALLING SHORT IN OUR MISSION One sad story is that of the well-known Watchman Nee. He is noted for leadership in the Chinese home church movement. Watchman Nee supposedly showed wisdom of leadership that helped the Chinese Church in times of great persecution. However, Rev. Nee had some serious flaws.
Firstly, he stated that it is wrong to have more than one Church in each city. This supposition is evil in every way and in practice is a great hindrance to Christ's Kingdom. Think about all the pastors, song directors, and church leaders that would not be able to fulfill their God given calling. Think of the physical distance and the associated burden that would be endured by many as they traveled across town. Consider the many souls that would be lost with such a Romanist Church view! This one gap in reasoning give us some valuable insight into Rev. Nee's flawed reasoning abilities. Thus, we should remember this flaw of vision when thinking about the next demand of Rev Nee. Secondly, Rev. Nee was a influential proponent of Women's head coverings. His churches are known as the "Head Covering Churches." Can you imagine being a part of a quasi secret church that is trying to avoid Communist persecution; meanwhile the ladies of the Church are unwisely instructed to wear culturally misplaced head coverings? We wonder how many women have needlessly suffered for a bit of cloth rather than a true Christian witness? Let "Born Again" believers in Christ, reconsider their dress and personal habits. Do they interfere with your Christian witness? A clown suit may be appropriate for some occasions but wearing outlandish attire truly robs even the finest of Christian witnesses. 1 Cor. 9: 20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.  FINALLY When hats or hair become our measures of holiness then, we are guilty of seeking to enter the fold by "another way." John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. Verses to Consider Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
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