Stay Focused

But if anyone wants to argue about this, I simply say that we have no other custom than this, and neither do God’s other churches. [1 Corinthians 11.16]

Argue about what? Head coverings in regard to gender.

Paul makes an appeal here about the necessity of women praying and worshiping with their heads covered. This is interesting because just before (v 15) Paul says a woman's hair IS her covering. Compare this to verses 5-6 where Paul seems to indicate that if a covering is not worn by a woman (in addition to her hair), then she should shave her head (but that too would be wrong).

So, IS a woman's hair her covering? Good question, right?

But here is the interesting thing: Paul makes a disclaimer about the whole conversation about coverings by saying in verse 16 that it is all "custom." Is Paul saying then that it may not be anything more than custom? Is he saying that it is NOT stipulated by God? Is he saying that all his logic in arriving at his conclusions is just that, human logic? Is Paul saying the whole issue of head coverings is a non-issue? Is Paul saying that customs are as important as God's Word (or NOT as important)?

I can see where Christians can get really involved in this to the point of contention. Paul evidently saw that too. But did he remedy it? Or, did he suggest that they not 'rock the boat' of customs?

The Church was in its infancy during these times of Paul's writings. I can see why Paul would see the need for organization. I am just wondering however, if the Church was really focused on being like Jesus, would they be having these difficulties (thus needing legislation)?

Father, I want to stay focused on Jesus and not get caught up in legislating how we should meet (thus leaving off my focus on Jesus).