My wife is a “trad wife” in some ways. She and I have developed some traditions within our family. We like to take everyone out for dinner on anyone’s birthday. Sushi seems to be a favorite recently. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter have their own traditions for us as well. On our doorpost are ‘scriptures’ as a symbol that we desire our household to be one in which God’s Word is honored. In the first century there were symbols and traditions too. One was that women wore head coverings (not necessarily to the extent of a hijab) and men did not. Sometimes our symbols and traditions become controversies. The apostle Paul didn’t want the unity in the Church to be hampered by such things like what we wear or how we pray. So, he advised the believers in Corinth understand the traditions of others yet recognize there is no hard and fast rule in the Church.
Therefore the woman should have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. 11 However, in the Lord, neither is woman [i]independent of man, nor is man [j]independent of woman. 12 For as the woman originated from the man, so also the man has his birth through the woman; and all things originate from God. 13 Judge [k]for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does even nature itself not teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him, 15 but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her? For her hair is given to her as a covering. 16 But if anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no [l]such practice, nor have the churches of God. 1 Corinthians 11:10-16 NASB
Do I hold too tightly to traditions? Am I sensitive to the traditions of others?
God, as this day begins- I want to hold the truth of the gospel as paramount while being aware and sensitive to others upbringing. So, please give me wisdom in every situation. Thank you that ultimately there is freedom in Christ. I pause to pray for my friend Jack and his important surgery today. May it be one in which all is cured, rapidly healed, and full health is his. In Jesus name. Amen.
