Disrespecting God

But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and
the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ.

1 Corintians 11:3

Paul stresses this point but there are other things in this passage
that needs addressing. He also talks about how it's disgraceful for
men to do certain things as well as women. These are general things
for both sexes. Paul further mentions how everything is from God and
should not be separated. Later he talks about dishinoring the Lord's
supper, the gathering of believers in breaking bread.

So many different things going on here but I'll take the section
heading as a que, that this is about Christian order. Paul was
dealing with disunity and divisions in this letter and the people were
doing all types of things. Possible mixing up freedom in Christ with
freedom in the world and other old teachings. It seems Paul's theme
behind all these points was that we're different in gender and culture
but we serve God united; there's a continuity between us.

As I read this I can't help but focus on the restrictions that Paul
placed on men and women, how certain actions are disrespectful to
God. Is it? We know in our culture today this is not the case. This
requires biblical exegesis, finding out the historical and cultural
context of that day. I don't have the background to make a statement
like this but other scripture does point to the heart and motives for
doing things. We can safely assume (until more info is gathered) that
disrespect reveals itself differently across time and culture.

For example, today, talking on our cell phone, texting while on a
conversation or while in a movie theater is very disrespectful to
those around. If doing it because they don't care about the others,
that's disrespectful. If doing it because of some critical emergency
that has no other alternative, then that's out of circumstance. God
sees and judges the heart. The OT Laws tried to do everything with a
command, something Paul was well accustomed with being a Jew.

Father God I pray against becoming legalistic and so tied into
achieving knowledge and righteousness. As Your word states, knowledge
makes arrogance. That You for filling me with awe and reverance... I
pray for continued growth and maturity to bless Your name. Love You,
King Jesus! Amen!

Win!

Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight
like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave
so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be
disqualified for the prize.

1 Cor 9:26-27

Scripture preceding this passage talks about how Paul gave up all his
rights to everything he deserved for the sake of the Gospel. He
preached without any earthly compensation; in fact, he went places and
became all things to all people for te sake of their salvation. He
also mentions how he's in this race to win; not just compete,
paricipate or finish well.

We too need to aim at winning for the Gospel. The battles we fight
are important but more critical is the assignment. We need to make
sure that the race we're running is our calling and then we need to go
all out; we need to win! And this winning isn't about others losing,
we as one body in Christ are winners. The devil is the loser. Our
flesh in the fallen world is the loser.

Father God, thank You for placing me in this awesome race at this
moment. Also, thank You for this wonderful gift brewing hiden from my
eyes. This is literally day one in the long 9mo journey but I pray
Lord for Your provisions in Michelle's body. Allow Your miracles to
infiltrate and surround every fibre of her being. Teach me Lord to be
a better servant. I love You so much and I submit to Your awesome
auhority. In the precious name of Christ Jesus I pray, Amen!