13 Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?
In the scriptures there are culture-bound practices that illustrate a larger principle. Here is an example. When most of us read this passage we scratch our heads and think, “What does this mean? This doesn’t make sense!” If you come from a Jewish or Muslim heritage you have the cultural understanding of this. From those cultural perspectives women cover their heads out of respect. They put cloth over their heads as a sign that they are in submission and respect who they are. In our liberated society no one knows how to give honor to another. Since everyone is ‘equal’ respect is rarely given. But we aren’t equal. Some people are smarter than others and need to use their intelligence wisely. Some are great problem solvers, negotiators, encouragers, handymen, caregivers, burger flippers with a smile. At the same time some waste their talents, not using their best to demonstrate the greatness and mercy of God. And we don’t equally honor our spouses, children, coworkers, fellow drivers, store employees, bosses, or daycare providers. We have lost the art of honoring. This is tragic, tragic because we carry that lack of ability to honor into our worship of our Creator and Sustainer. We act like we are best buds, neighbors in the back yard on BBQ day, instead of what we are, sinners desperately in need of a savior. Honor has to do with having an honest opinion of ourselves and a knowledge of the position of the other. We have lost the knowledge of the greatness of God. We think we can solve it, fix it, understand it, and control it. We have taken God’s place. We have usurped his position and we don’t want to give it up. But in order to honor God, we can’t be sitting in His seat. We have to get off His throne and back down to our place, a place that includes our value as one for whom He died.
The Arnold Journey 