The trappings of Legalism

Hi everyone,

I have not started a thread in a long… time. I have decided to start this one with something on my heart instead of replying to the many other threads that many are struggling with.

The reason I’ve called it “The trappings of Legalism” is because that is what came to my mind as I reflected on why many fall into the bondage of legalism. I believe there are people who honestly want to please God and they fall into bondage trying to please Him. I have seen people and I have also been guilty of trying to find something in the bible that I am not doing that they were doing back then, not realizing that God’s word speaks to all ages and the spiritual truth is the same but methods and customs are not the same.

Let’s take for example the spirit of foot-washing is the same but back in the bible days (and maybe in some parts of the world they still do) they washed their feet when they entered a home after they walked from place to place. I believe Jesus was using foot washing as an example not necessarily as an ordinance to practice every time we do communion.

I believe people have fallen into legalism concerning a certain Sabbath Day instead of understanding the spiritual significance of the Sabbath being our spiritual rest in Jesus Christ.

I also believe even though not all but some have fallen into legalism in the wearing of a head covering because they believe that it is mandatory for all ages, people, and places instead of realizing the spiritual significance of what Paul was saying to the Corinthians. We even have some excellent bible preachers falling prey to these “trappings” making such statements as classifying the sins of the flesh as the same as not doing an outward custom for a particular time and place when so many excellent bible teachers can’t even agree on exactly what Paul was meaning in 1 cor. 11.2-16.

I am not an excellent bible teacher but I believe that if one is in a setting or region where the custom is not in the wearing of a veil or material for an head covering as long as we are not disobedient to the spirit of authority in the order that Paul laid out then we do not have to join into another custom that we are not familiar with because that is the whole thing Paul was trying to say to the Corinthians.
I hope to say more but got to go for now.

Any thoughts…

Blessings to all!

Hi Rbanks,

Do you consider this legalism?

Act 15:20 but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.

The gentiles were told to do things that were customary for Jews...abstain from things polluted by idols, from animals strangled and blood. Those are not necessarily heart issues, but commands regarding things outside the heart.

Were the apostles being legalistic here? Should they have just not given any commands to the gentiles? I'm trying to understand how you define legalism and how you judge what parts of the bible are legalistic.

Thanks...

~Sean

rbanks
You wrote:The reason I’ve called it “The trappings of Legalism” is because that is what came to my mind as I reflected on why many fall into the bondage of legalism. I believe there are people who honestly want to please God and they fall into bondage trying to please Him. I have seen people and I have also been guilty of trying to find something in the bible that I am not doing that they were doing back then, not realizing that God’s word speaks to all ages and the spiritual truth is the same but methods and customs are not the same.
_________________
Thank you for this post. I found it very thoughtful and I really appreciated it. I too have struggled with looking for things I can do to "please" God in some external way. HE is showing me that the desire to please HIM does come from HIM... but its not about doting all the i's and crossing all the t's, its about living daily moment by moment in JESUS! Walking by faith and trusting in HIM, living in submission to HIM as LORD, not because I am "told" to by men but because I long to because of who HE is.

I look forward to reading what more you have to share.

God Bless
mary

Sean,

You do know that you are welcome to create your own account here at SI?

Matthew

Sean,

Thank you for bringing up one of the points I was trying to make. The four necessary commands in acts 15 which seem good to the Holy spirit was for the purpose of keeping them out of a burden of legalism in keeping the law of Moses. The apostle’s said that is was a yoke that none could bear and that no one could be saved except only through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Of the four commands two were primarily for God because they were sins of the flesh that would keep one from inheriting the Kingdom of God and must be dealt with by the blood of His cross and our faith in Christ our redeemer whom we receive our deliverance.

The two commandments that you mentioned was primarily for the Jewish people whom Christ also died for whereby the Holy Spirit would give them(Gentiles) special grace to obey, as in Paul saying that if eating meat offends my brother then I will eat no meat. It is obvious that all around them were Jews that Christ also died for and these two things were very offensive to the Jews and they needed the fellowship of the Jewish people. This is one of my points concerning the head covering in Corinth for the women had been made free in Christ but they were still to honor their husbands as their head under Christ. The material head covering was the custom of the Jewish religion and for a married woman to pray or prophesy in their new freedom without this visible head covering it would appear to others that the women was dishonoring her husband. The woman’s head in the passage of scripture in 1 cor 11 is clearly her husband who she would appear to be dishonoring because of the custom. This is why Paul appeals to nature teaching us how it would be a shame for a man to have long hair or a woman to have short hair.
Now let’s fast forward 1900 years from 1 cor 11 and let’s go west completely away from the eastern customs because remember the Gentiles were not given the law of Moses but Jesus died for them also. The bible teaches whom the Son has set free is free indeed so where does it say in the bible that we are to go to a yoke of bondage of doing something outwardly that is religious.

Colossians 2:14-23 (KJV)
14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
God is not calling us to a bondage of religious actively but he is calling us to holiness of heart and lifestyle that reflects our glorious Savior.

Blessings to all!

Hi Rbanks,

You said: "The material head covering was the custom of the Jewish religion and for a married woman to pray or prophesy in their new freedom without this visible head covering it would appear to others that the women was dishonoring her husband. The woman’s head in the passage of scripture in 1 cor 11 is clearly her husband who she would appear to be dishonoring because of the custom. This is why Paul appeals to nature teaching us how it would be a shame for a man to have long hair or a woman to have short hair. "

I don't want to derail your thread, but since you brought this up, can you explain this using the passage out of 1 Cor 11? Maybe go verse by verse?

As far as I can see, there is nothing in those passage where Paul is telling them to not wear a covering. On the contrary he builds his case as to why they are to do so. He ties his argument to Christ submission to God, to the Angles, to the glory of Man, to the common sense teaching of nature, and then says it is the custom of the churches. The scriptures as well as church history verify this.

What I don't get, is why people think that to obey something that God has said, is legalism. The yoke of bondage is not doing something outward, the yoke of bondage is the necessity to keep the entire Levitical law. God tells women to dress modestly (which of course goes for men as well). Now, because we as Christians have to modify our dress, to be modest, are we somehow placed under a yoke of bondage because we must do something "outward"? I don't think so.

Sean,

Brother, you have missed the whole context of everything I have been trying to convey on this thread.

I am sorry that I wasn't able to communicate it better for you so maybe later on when I have more time, Lord willing, I will try from another angle.

Blessings to you!

QUOTE:
"the spirit of foot-washing is the same but back in the bible days (and maybe in some parts of the world they still do) they washed their feet when they entered a home after they walked from place to place. I believe Jesus was using foot washing as an example not necessarily as an ordinance to practice every time we do communion."

You believe? on what basis? Can you share a book, chapter and verse to substantiate it?

On the other hand Jesus says in John 13:15-17:
15For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
Joh 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
Joh 13:17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

AND:
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Just because you refuse to enjoy the blessings of being a servant gives one no authority to rebuke those that do. Jesus' words are the final authority regardless how much you wish to modify them.

Ephah,

Here's a helpful article on why a legal observance of the Sabbath is no longer required:

http://www.triviumpursuit.com/downloads/sabbath_syllogism_2006.pdf

Sean,

If you would like a verse-by-verse treatment of 1st Cornithians try here:

http://www.triviumpursuit.com/downloads/first_cor_11_extract_concerning_headship_and_coverture.pdf

or even here:

http://www.triviumpursuit.com/downloads/first_cor_11_excerpt_women_praying_or_prophesying_under_cover.pdf

These three articles are lengthy, but well-written and very much worth the investement of your time.

Grace and peace,
Matthew

rbanks:

I think I know what you are trying to say, and if I may I would like to say a few things along that line. When we speak of legalism we are often using the same word with very different meanings. In a very literal sense legalism means the attempt to approach God or to attain righteousness by keeping laws. Just as in Buddhism there is a worship of Buddha, in legalism there is a worship if you will of the law. I know that many have tried to apply the term legalist to anyone who believes in holiness, obedience, etc., but to do so is to totally misuse the word and misunderstand its meaning.

I actually think what rbanks is describing here is what Paul talked about in Romans and other places. It is an attempt to please God through acts or works of the flesh. You see, the flesh is enmity against God and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Works of or acts of the flesh are not limited to evil deeds. We often look at deeds or works as either good or evil. But for a man who does good deeds out of his own flesh, his good deeds are counted as evil for they flow from a place of enmity with God. The Pharisees did many good deeds. In fact, they kept the law more perfectly than anyone else in all of Israel. Yet Jesus spoke of them as whitewashed tombs. They looked good on the outside where man could see them but inwardly they were evil. Paul speaks of his own struggle to try to please God through works of the flesh in Romans 7. He describes it a wretchedness that could only be remedied by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

When Jeremiah prophesied that God would write His laws in our hearts he did not mean that we would simply have assistance in keeping the law by an inward change of heart. Often as believers we act as the church at Galatia. We begin in faith saying that no one can be saved by works and rightly so, however we continue in our own flesh trying to be made perfect in works. Paul calls this a bewitching doctrine. Why? Because it causes us to leave the principles of the doctrine of grace, because it causes us to leave dependence on and reliance on the Spirit of God and leads us back into works of the flesh which are by definition in Romans 8 enmity against God.

Often with good intentions we see a requirement or a law in the Bible and we, out of a true desire to please God, set out in our flesh to keep that law. This is a step back into legalism by its proper definition. God desires that we live out of our born again spirit. This is what Jeremiah was talking about. If we do so we will not fall into sin and our works will be those of purity and holiness because they emanate from a spirit of purity.

Here we go again. The most popular word on this site is LEGALISM.

Since I am one of the noisy culprits around here who fervently rails against “legalism”, I probably should make some contribution on this thread. And since Jesus and biblical writers railed against it too, I believe I have plenty of support. For starts, there’s this verse.

“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.” 1Cor 10:23-33

Did you note the superior law here? It’s in essence the Great Commandment of love. That’s the law that overrules all laws. It’s the spirit of law.

Everyone that dares to obey the instructions of our Savior and our hevenly father who is Yahweh is either a legalist or belongs to some spooky movement.

TheEphah, Can you actually prove this with a quote from someone’s post? It seems to be more your own reaction. But it doesn’t help clarify the matter when such a generalized assumption gets tossed into the mix. It’s a bit of a door-closer.

What I don't get, is why people think that to obey something that God has said, is legalism.

Oh… before proceeding, I must confess that legalism has been a powerful force in my own life. It wasn’t so much the laws in themselves (I didn’t LOOK legalistic), as a way my conscience was programmed to understand the faith. It kept my life in order for a season, but then I got stuck in it - until a God-sent crisis that exposed and unraveled it, and brought me deeper into Christ.

How’s this: A legalistic way of thinking turns every biblical instruction into universal laws – divorced from the superior law, the context, or the driving principle behind the instruction. (That’s my beef about Poonen’s exegesis on coverings) A legalist finds an instruction, and follows it with the hope of pleasing God. But he might not actually be pleasing God because he fails to observe 1 Cor10:23-33. His aim might be to earn divine approval, with no thought for the effect of his choices on others.

A legalistic operational mode of conscience inhibits one from understanding others and his effect on them. It’s the “Older Brother” syndrome. Remember, he was the one obeying all the laws. But he had no concept of the higher law of God: relationship with father, and brother. He didn’t even know himself. Imagine if he had met the younger brother returning home. He would have driven him away. That is the final outworking of legalism: It is self-focused: It’s all about ME being right with God as I understand that to be ….. and others….. well…… am I my brother’s keeper?

I’ll try to apply the higher law of love to a modern practice which no doubt would have been in the scriptures had it been written in our day: Watching TV.

Now there is no law about watching TV, so you must actually use your God-given brains (or rely on your pastor’s brains). If your conscience is legalistically wired, you might decide that TV spews out evil and so you turn off the TV to keep yourself pure. You play Solitaire instead. That can’t possibly corrupt you!

If you are wired to the spirit of God’s law, you may turn off the TV even from good programming so that you can free your time to benefit yourself - so that you can be used of God to benefit others.

Legalism hinders one from grasping the spiritual essence of scripture, and instead resorts to the black and white command sentences in themselves - as isolated entities floating around on their own. The spirit of the law integrates them in line with the higher law.

The spirit of the law drives you to care about the Body of Christ and your place in the wider picture of God’s kingdom. Why! You may choose to make yourself more adept at interpreting scripture by reading this excellent, thought provoking book:

Gordon Fee’s book, “How to Read the Bible for all its Worth”. (~250 pages)

No law requires such a choice…. but maybe it does for YOU. Because you love God, your neighbor and yourself, you might see such a project as worthwhile time spent, and God opens the door.

By the way, I raise Gordon Fee’s name because his exegesis, in part, is the impetus that got this whole flurry of post and threads going – on coverings/legalism and such. (See the spiritual covering thread opening article.)

Have I convinced any concerned skeptics yet?

Diane

Oh, I should add:

An antinomian is a legalist: What laws can I justly get AWAY from?

Right?

Diane

A legalistic operational mode of conscience inhibits one from understanding others and his effect on them. It’s the “Older Brother” syndrome. Remember, he was the one obeying all the laws. But he had no concept of the higher law of God: relationship with father, and brother. He didn’t even know himself. Imagine if he had met the younger brother returning home. He would have driven him away. That is the final outworking of legalism: It is self-focused: It’s all about ME being right with God as I understand that to be ….. and others….. well…… am I my brother’s keeper?

Imagine a sister that has come to your house to meet with the Saints in fellowship. During the meeting she has something to share straight from the heart of God but is prevented from talking because she forgot her handkerchief or doily that she is supposed to have on top of her head.

Basically, the the kind of legalism rbanks is talking about is the legalism that prevents (Shut Up) the Life of God from operating. This type of legalism is always antagonistic to LIFE (mercy, forgiveness, love), because IT's requirements have not been met yet and IT's requirements are all that is important. Otherwise, God might have a fit. Funny how God is always used by men to control other men.

Matthew 23:13:
But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye SHUT UP the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

Acts 26:10: Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I SHUT UP in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.

Galatians 3:23:
But before faith came, we were kept UNDER THE LAW, SHUT UP unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

The Enemy thinks he can SHUT UP the Life of Christ. He has been losing that battle for 2,000 years.

I wonder if the woman who washed Jesus' feet with her hair, managed to keep her head covering on while she was doing it. Jesus did not have a fit so she must have succeeded in keeping it on.

Pilgrim

Pilgrim you wrote:Imagine a sister that has come to your house to meet with the Saints in fellowship. During the meeting she has something to share straight from the heart of God but is prevented from talking because she forgot her handkerchief or doily that she is supposed to have on top of her head.
___
Otherwise, God might have a fit.
____

I wonder if the woman who washed Jesus' feet with her hair, managed to keep her head covering on while she was doing it. Jesus did not have a fit so she must have succeeded in keeping it on.

Pilgrim
__________________

I don't know your heart or the attitude in which the above portions of your post was written but it does come across as a bit mocking and sarcastic to me and so could be seen by those who do follow the convictions of their heart to cover their head as being unloving and unkind??? Just asking that perhaps you reread what you wrote and look at it from the point of a sister who might be reading it and is wearing the cloth out of love and submission toward her husband and the LORD...

God Bless
mary

MaryJane, you missed the point of the whole post.

The focus is on those who prevent (Shut Up) the Life of God from operating.

Pilgrim

Pilgrim you wrote:MaryJane, you missed the point of the whole post.

The focus is on those who prevent (Shut Up) the Life of God from operating.

Pilgrim

________

No I got your point, I really do understand what you meant...Just thought perhaps there might have been a less sarcastic, mocking tone in the way you shared it is all?? I just wonder if you considered the way your post might sound to those sisters who do submit to wearing a head covering???

I have read several of your posts and you speak about loving those in the body of Christ do you feel that the way you addressed those sisters who do submit to the wearing of the head covering was in love and with a Christ like heart?? I realize they may not have been exactly who you were speaking to or of in your post and yet there are some here who do wear the covering and might not understand the sarcasm and mocking as not being directed toward them personally...

If I have misunderstood you then please forgive me.

As always God Bless you
mary

Edited: to be more clear in conveying my thoughts with you.

Annie, we know it was the custom of people who upon entering the house would have his feet washed by a servant before any socialization was done.

In Jesus' case - as recorded in John 13 - at the last supper, this was done AFTER supper had been eaten. Since this is the case, one must assume it was a ritual instituted that symbolized a servants heart.

Before anyone would criticize its observance by others I would suggest you do it - literally and see what it does to your spirit. Jesus did not tell us why to do it other then that we should do it. To do so is an act of faith.

In recent months there has been an outcry against anyone who would speak out against the literal obedience of the WORD. It is a mindset that really alarms me. It used to not be this way. There seems to be a coordinated effort by a select few who will use any post to downplay the application of 1Corinthians 11. You can start out on one topic and then bring in the head covering as an example of legalism. If its observance is legalistic to you, then I must conclude on the basis of 1Corinthians 11 that you have no authority because you are denying the headship order and this includes men. Men, if you want authority to speak the WORD of God, you must be under authority. Failure to do so will render you useless and worst.

One does not manipulate the WORD of God and win. Imagine Noah doing so when God told him to build the ark. Or, Abraham, when God told him to offer Isaac. These people are listed in the hall of fame for their faith. Hebrews 11. What earns them a position is their act of obedience to God's command/wishes.

It is love for God that motivates obedience. Our obedience will not earn one salvation - it simply demonstrates our love for Him. Love for God is the first and great commandment. How is this commandment operative in your life?

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all the replies and a special thanks to the many excellent posts of understanding.

1 Corinthians 4:1-5 (KJV)
1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

I also want everyone to know on this thread that the accusations of some do not insult me nor is it my desire to insult back but only to speak the truth in love. I have seen and heard from God(experienced God) and my only desire is to please Him totally. We have a limited number of days on this earth to please God and must not get trapped in on a dead end street. Jesus is coming back for a glorious Church without spot or wrinkle but that we should holy and unblemished before Him in love. I do not want to do anything that is unnecessary(resulting from the flesh) but everything that is of the obedience from the Holy Spirit. The scripture teaches us that we have been called unto freedom but not to use that freedom for an occasion of the flesh but in love to serve one another.

John 5:39-40 (KJV)
39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
John 7:16-24 (KJV)
16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
19 Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?
20 The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?
21 Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel.
22 Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.
23 If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?
24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
John 9:28-29 (KJV)
28 Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples.
29 We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.

It is amazing to me that these religious people in Jesus day knew God spoke to Moses but they didn’t know the God who spoke to Moses. You see, they said they didn’t know Jesus or where he came from. They didn’t even know- that this Jesus- that they were rejecting was the very one that spoke to Moses.
So isn’t it possible to read the bible and know that it is God’s written Word but not know the God who is the word. Isn’t it also possible to miss the message even though we can quote the scripture? The religious people in Jesus’ day who judged him and wanted to get rid of Him were the very ones who thought they knew the word better than Jesus and judged Him- who is the Word made flesh- standing right before their very eyes. All their studying and doctrines they held to- led them were- to crucify Jesus. You see, they missed out on the life of Jesus, they rejected the life of God standing right there before them- but they were very religious.

All I’m saying is this, I do not want to end up on a dead end street but I want to travel on that super highway of holiness that is filled with the life of God.

Blessings to all!

Edited: Two sentences added at the end.

Not a problem MaryJane.

I have no issue whatsoever with sisters that want to wear head coverings and think that that is what the Scriptures are saying. I don't even have an issue with them thinking that is what the Scriptures teach. I have a real problem with those who think it is a requirement and then prevent others from expressing the Life of God or express by their actions that "uncovered" sisters are less spiritual.

I am talking about love, here. Legalism expresses the opposite.

Hope that clears things up.

Pilgrim

Pilgrim wrote:I have no issue whatsoever with sisters that want to wear head coverings and think that that is what the Scriptures are saying. I don't even have an issue with them thinking that is what the Scriptures teach. I have a real problem with those who think it is a requirement and then prevent others from expressing the Life of God or express by their actions that "uncovered" sisters are less spiritual.

I am talking about love, here. Legalism expresses the opposite.

Hope that clears things up.

__________

Thank you for so kindly getting back to me. I do understand what you are sharing. I would agree with you that to establish as a requirement that "all" must wear a head covering, or be in rebellion is not demonstrating the love of the LORD. After reading some of the more recent posts today I now know that there are some who clearly feel that I am in rebellion toward GOD and/or my husband because I do not wear a head covering, and it does sadden me a little if I am honest. I have prayed on this matter long and hard and sought out my husbands counsel on the matter as well and at this time do not see this scripture as being a command. I think what makes me feel the most sad is how this kind of topic almost seems to turn into some kind of competition or opportunity to prove "self" right and another believer wrong....(sigh)

God Bless
mary

MaryJane said...

quote-
After reading some of the more recent posts today I now know that there are some who clearly feel that I am in rebellion toward GOD and/or my husband because I do not wear a head covering, and it does sadden me a little if I am honest. I have prayed on this matter long and hard and sought out my husbands counsel on the matter as well and at this time do not see this scripture as being a command.
-quote

Sister this is my whole point, you are saddened and can't live up to others doctrinal beliefs. Legalism kills and is a waste of life for the people of God. It has no love for its subject.

I ask you to reread 1 cor 11.2-16 and see that the head covering for the woman is only to honor her husband and if your husband feels that you are honoring Him then you are not trying to please someone else husband or wife but only your own. Be free from the condemnation of others enjoy the life of the in the Holy Spirit

Notice also vs. 16 it says if any man is contentious then we have no such custom. Now if your husband disputes this custom does not want you or feel that you need to do this custom then He is the one that you are honoring.

Blessings to you!

rbanks said,

Sister this is my whole point, you are saddened and can't live up to others doctrinal beliefs. Legalism kills and is a waste of life for the people of God. It has no love for its subject.

Great example brother. I think that you hit the nail on the head as an example of true legalism.

Basically it is trying to live to please man's interpretation of doctrinal beliefs, not out of an yearning to be obedient and pleasing to the Lord. We are to be obedient to the Lord's calling to us. If we do things to please man, we are in sin.

by rbanks on 2012/2/7 5:50:15

MaryJane said...

quote-
After reading some of the more recent posts today I now know that there are some who clearly feel that I am in rebellion toward GOD and/or my husband because I do not wear a head covering, and it does sadden me a little if I am honest. I have prayed on this matter long and hard and sought out my husbands counsel on the matter as well and at this time do not see this scripture as being a command.
-quote

Sister this is my whole point, you are saddened and can't live up to others doctrinal beliefs. Legalism kills and is a waste of life for the people of God. It has no love for its subject.

I ask you to reread 1 cor 11.2-16 and see that the head covering for the woman is only to honor her husband and if your husband feels that you are honoring Him then you are not trying to please someone else husband or wife but only your own. Be free from the condemnation of others enjoy the life of the in the Holy Spirit

Notice also vs. 16 it says if any man is contentious then we have no such custom. Now if your husband disputes this custom does not want you or feel that you need to do this custom then He is the one that you are honoring.

Blessings to you!
_____________

Thank you for this encouraging post rbanks. I have read through several times the verses in 1 cor 11-12. To be honest because of my background with the RCC this topic was becoming a bit of burden to me. I kept feeling like I was doing something very wrong because I was not wearing a head covering. I got to a point when I became fearful to even pray because some how I thought by doing so I was offending GOD because my head was not covered as some do. I spoke with my husband in length many times and kept asking are you sure, almost to the point of nagging him to tell me that I should wear this cover so that then I could have done something to be right with GOD. Thankfully my husband knows my history and he prayed for me and together we searched the scripture to see what the LORD had for us in this. I think on some level I wanted my husband to tell me to wear the head covering because then "I" would have some way of "doing" something that would be pleasing to GOD. I wanted to have a rule to follow is the best way I can explain it...but I know now that is not what GOD has for me. HE has been showing me that I have to live by faith and trust in HIM and not fear. I can't get caught up in "doing" all the right things because then its because of self(at least it has for me) I have to look to HIM place my trust, faith, and love in HIS hands and let HIM be LORD of my life. I realize that only by living this way will I really seek to please the LORD because that desire to please HIM will come from an outpouring of HIS love for me and not fear that I "must" do so thing to win/earn HIS love...
This has been my experience on the topic, however I have nothing but love and respect for those sisters in Christ who feel led by the LORD and their husbands to wear the head covering. I don't see it as my being right or others being wrong but rather learning that this is where HE has me to be and I need to be faithful to HIM, just as I am sure my sisters feel they must be faithful to HIM by wearing the head cover.

Anyway thank you and God Bless
mary

Hi MaryJane,

Thanks for sharing. I too was raised in the RCC. My mother and Aunts and Grandmothers all wore the doilies. That's what they called them. Protestants call them head coverings.

It's not because the Catholics wear them that we don't. Though, I want to stay as far away from the RCC as possible. (Far from Rome, Near to God is a good book). We just don't "see" it in the scriptures. Like I told Sean, we cannot do anything because men tell us to. We need revelation from God. If you are doing something based on your own understanding it can become a false security. We must live by faith. Not saying the "covered" don't live by faith, so please don't misunderstand. Whether covered or uncovered we are all called to live by faith.

Be well,
Pilgrim