Head-covering & Uncovering

Conclusion

It is of great relevance to mention that in many Eastern countries the ordinance of head covering is still common practice today and indeed, there are still a few groups who practice this in the West. When looked at like that it is comforting to know that those who still obey the ordinance of head covering/uncovering are probably still in the majority when the whole of the last 2000 years are taken into consideration. Not that any child of God should ever be motivated by whether or not he or she is in a majority or minority. However, it is good to know that this ordinance has not always been rejected by those who profess to know Him.

Many in our day have taken the line that this ordinance is now irrelevant. Why? Because we have a better understanding of the Word than previous generations? Not at all. The objections have arisen and gathered pace in Western society only in the last 80 –90 years (approx.). Two World Wars and the need for women, at those times, to take on what were traditionally considered male responsibilities has something to do with it.

I have heard that during the Second World War the C of E declared that it was acceptable for women to attend church without a covering in recognition of the shortage of clothing coupons etc. I somehow doubt that the shortage of material was so extreme that something couldn’t be improvised in such a case. Anyhow, to my knowledge this was never subsequently rescinded. It seems as though adversity was used as an excuse to discontinue something that had started to become unfashionable in society. I’ve never heard of a case of a christening being cancelled during a time of national water shortage!

The reason why people (men and women) in our present age do not like this ordinance is because it is a statement of differing male and female roles. This clashes with the philosophies of the culture we now live in (partly influenced by those difficult times but also by many other factors). Far from being something cultural, which belonged to a forgotten era, the ordinance of head covering, just like the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, is a permanent feature of the New Testament Church. The sad truth of the matter is that people have to make a choice whether to flow with the tide of society or obey the Word of God.

The conclusion here is really quite simple:

“Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?” (Further to this: is it appropriate that a man pray to God covered?)

Well, Paul says, “You now make the judgement.” So long as you ‘judge’ (weigh up the evidence) from the position of wanting nothing except the will of God you will be ‘caused’ to judge aright:

"I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me." (John 5:30). Don’t think that not understanding any of it is any excuse either because:

“If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” (John 7:17)

And if you think you can just ‘skip over’ this one little thing (if you view it as insignificant), remember the words of James:

“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” (James 2:10)

In this day, probably more so than ever before, this simple little ordinance has now become a symbol of so much more. Not that the practice of any ordinance can ever alone be taken to reflect the spiritual condition of a church, but wherever this is not observed, it is one sure sign of a church that refuses to obey the one it calls “Lord.”

“But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.”

I have sought in this study to highlight clearly the fact that this is not a women’s issue. It as much to do with men individually, and even more to do with men who are in some position of authority, be it in marriage or in the Church. However, the bottom line for our current situation in Western society is that it the woman who will ‘stand out’ in many situations as being in the minority of those who cover themselves before the Lord. Take courage my sister, who obeys this word for “God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” The issue of authority and responsibility lies with the man, but it is the woman who bears the sign outwardly. Be not afraid of what man may think or say for IT IS THE SIGN OF GOD’S POWER AND AUTHORITY and it is your privilege to bear it for your Lord.

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