Symbols of Submission

by David Treybig

Living in harmony with the roles God has given us is an honorable choice godly men and women voluntarily make. God doesn't force anyone to accept these roles, but He hopes that we will because living these roles as He intended leads to greater happiness now and a better understanding of His plan for us in the future.

Submission to God's expectations starts in our minds. It is first a way of thinking, as we learn what God desires, and then we can begin applying what we have learned. The results of our submission to God's instructions are then reflected in our attitude and outward appearance. We willingly accept our unique roles as males and females. The clothing we wear is modest (1 Timothy 2:9) and it indicates our gender (Deuteronomy 22:5).

Surprising to many, even our hair length demonstrates our submission to our role as either male or female. In 1 Corinthians 11, God tells us that long hair on a man "dishonors" God (verse 4). Reflecting upon this concept, a subsequent verse asks, "Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor ["shame," King James Version] to him?" (verse 14).

In contrast to God's expectation that men wear their hair short, God desires that women wear their hair longer because "if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her" (verse 15). Longer hair on a woman shows her respect for her husband and God (verses 5-10).

Following God's instructions for males and females often goes against the standards around us. But don't be discouraged. Living as God desires is the highest calling to which we can aspire! Let's "submit to God" (James 4:7). Honor Him, and He will honor you (1 Samuel 2:30). VT