Day 244: Psalms 145-147; 1 Corinthians 11:2-16

How fascinating it is that 2000 years later, there are some things we do that 'mimic' the Early Church, and some we have discarded...depending on the culture. For instance, how many ladies did you see wearing hats last Sunday in church? For that matter, how many truly have long hair. By the same token, we had some men present who have their hair in a pony tail. Are any of these less spiritual? Paul references the wearing of hats and length of hair as the 'custom' or 'practice' of the church. Customs and practices change. The core does not. Without getting into a lengthy discussion about gender differences and past/present culture, I am glad that Paul includes core value in his conversation: "Regardless of how it all began, husbands and wives should recognize they are not independent; for just as woman was pulled from the side of man, man is pulled from the womb of woman. In a similar way, all things and all people share the same ultimate source, God." (1 Corinthians 11:11-12, The Voice). This hearkens back to God's core value in creation (see Genesis 1:26-27). We certainly have different roles, yet are totally dependent on one another to live these out, but together, male and female, we are made in the likeness of God. Equals! "This is a beautiful thing!" as my friend John Brown would say. Indeed! Thank God!