Different and Complementary in God's Creation Order
Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 11:11-16 (NASB)
11 However, in the Lord, neither is woman independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12 For as the woman originates from the man, so also the man has his birth through the woman; and all things originate from God. 13 Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him, 15 but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her? For her hair is given to her for a covering. 16 But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God.
SUMMARY
In this passage, Paul explains to the Corinthian church the reasons why men and women should act differently. He states that men and women are dependent and complementary to each other. God created man first in His own image then created woman from the side of man, and “all things originate from God”, meaning that they are equal by creation order (v.12). However, Paul also emphasizes that God made men and women differently, explaining that nature teaches that long hair is a dishonor to men but glory to women (v. 14-15). He tells us how God created us with clear differences, and we need to respect and honor the nature of men and women according to the creation order.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
“All things originate from God.” (v.12) As the creator and originator, God thought of not just the design and physical appearance of men and women, but also their function, intents, and purposes. Everyone who created anything from scratch whether it be creating a story, product, business, etc. knows how much effort it goes into making it, but more importantly, they know exactly what it was intended for. Just imagine how much thoughts and details went through God’s mind when he was creating us “in his own image” (Genesis 1:27), the most precious and intimate creation. He was loving, methodical and very mindful of our needs; He even created a “suitable helper” (Genesis 2:18) so they would complement each other.
God created man and women with specific roles in mind. It is evident to me through my relationship with my husband, and with others, that men and women are made for one another for mutual benefit and comfort. We are created equally with many unique differences in the creation order. Paul uses the long hair as an example, but there are so many other examples that nature confirms that men and women are different. I see it even through our daily routines how different my husband and I are, yet how dependent we are to each other to function. We look different, we think differently, we even smell different, and all because God intentionally created us to be different.
APPLICATION
I never doubted this truth. Yes, as a believer, but also as a very logical and methodical person. I believe God created all things for a specific reason and purpose. I believe and respect the gender differences, however I feel a bit challenged to teach this truth to my kids. They are constantly hearing about the roles in a different way everywhere they go. I can’t help but wonder if the biblical truth is sticking with them, or if they just think that Christians, including myself, are judgmental.
I was reaffirmed from today’s passage that God designed men and women differently, and my duty as a Christian is to respect and honor that. I will seek wisdom from God to help me speak the truth in a way that resonates to my kids and others. I will also ask for God’s grace to speak the truth in a loving way.
PRAYER
Thank you God for this lesson, as it comes in perfect timing for me, as my children have been asking so many questions about the role of men and women. We live in a confusing and corrupted world, with our kids exposed to so many things relating to men and women that are so against your word. Equip me so that I can stand firm, and not just keep this truth to myself, but to boldly share this truth in a loving manner. And guard our hearts with your word so that we don’t get swayed by the culture of the world. In Jesus name, Amen!
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