I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you. But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head. A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels. Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God. Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God.
—1 Corinthians 11:2-16

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As In Heaven, So On Earth
By Jennifer Kane

Man stands called to lead in grace,     |     The Father sends, the Son obeys, 
Not to rule, but to embrace.            |     One in will, yet not in place. 
The woman walks in strength and peace, |     The Son submits, yet not beneath— 
Not less, but purposed to increase.     |     Equal God, crowned with belief. 

He from dust, and she from side,        |     From the throne, the Son did come, 
Together formed, by God supplied.       |     Born to serve, though fully One. 
She is his glory, not his chain,        |     He took the cup, endured the pain, 
To walk with him through joy and strain.|     That glory through submission came. 

He guards the gate, she builds the home,|     The Father speaks, the Son makes known. 
Their roles in rhythm, hand in hand,    |     In perfect love, they understand. 
She bows not low to shrink or hide,     |     He knelt to wash, to serve, to guide. 
But lifts her voice with sacred pride.  |     The Son exalted—crucified. 

Not rivals in their kingdom’s scope,    |     Not grasping, but in love He stayed, 
But partners held in holy hope.         |     To show the world how love obeys. 
Two lights that shine with different hues, |   One will, one heart, but different shoes. 
The image whole, when side by side—     |     A mirror of the One Most High.

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Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 11:2-16

In our culture, equality often gets confused with sameness. But God’s design is far richer, more beautiful, and more balanced than the world’s idea of equality. According to 1 Corinthians 11, men and women are equal in worth, equal in value, and equally loved by God, but they are also distinct by divine design.

This passage reveals a foundational truth: God has established an order—not to elevate one gender above the other, but to reflect His own nature. Consider the Trinity: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are co-equal and co-eternal—yet they joyfully embrace different roles. The Son submits to the Father (John 5:19, John 8:28), not out of inferiority, but from love and unity. This voluntary submission does not make Jesus less than the Father. Likewise, when women choose to honor God’s structure of headship in the home and church, it does not suggest they are less valuable—it reflects Christlike humility.

Paul writes, “The head of every man is Christ, the head of a woman is man, and the head of Christ is God” (1 Cor. 11:3). This hierarchy is not a license for domination, but a call to servant leadership and mutual honor. It’s also not a universal command that men have authority over all women in all places—it specifically applies to the church and the home, where God has ordained male leadership, not as an expression of privilege, but of responsibility and sacrificial love (see Ephesians 5:23).

Importantly, Paul guards against a misuse of this order. In verses 11–12, he reminds us of our interdependence: “Neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man… but everything comes from God.” Paul affirms the value of both sexes—each needing the other, each dignified, each bearing the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

Do I view submission and authority through the lens of fear, pride, or through the example of Jesus’ joyful submission to the Father?
How can I honor God’s design while still celebrating the equal worth of men and women in my church, home, and relationships?
Where in my life am I resisting God’s structure of authority, and what does that reveal about my trust in Him?

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Father, thank You for making me in Your image—fearfully and wonderfully. Help me to understand and embrace Your design for headship and submission, not with resistance but with reverence. May I imitate the humility of Jesus, who submitted to Your will with joy and love. Teach me to honor others and serve faithfully, recognizing that my worth is rooted not in roles or rank, but in Your unchanging love. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

June 19 2025