We must not miss the positive truth that God highly esteems women and their beauty. Although the word “beauty” does not appear in this passage (1 Cor. 11:1–16), it is difficult not to see the comparison between God’s glory and the woman’s glory (reflected in and symbolized by her hair). Make no mistake, there is no contest, God’s glory is infinitely greater. But we human beings so desperately desire beauty that the beauty we can see easily distracts us from the glory of God that we cannot yet see. Watch what happens when a very beautiful woman, dressed well and made up attractively, enters the church. Do not both men and women notice? For different reasons maybe, in wandering eyes or in judgment, but heads are definitely turned, noticeably or furtively.

Flat out, God made a woman’s appearance to be beautiful. While the renaissance artists have tried to convince us that male beauty is to be exalted, we should be careful not to let human ideas override the God of creation. For sure, as the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In this case, God is the “beholder.” In Scripture He recognizes beauty in women. Is this not evident in the story of Rachel and Leah, where the inspired Scripture writer distinguishes their appearances, “And Leah’s eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful of form and face” (Gen. 29:17)? Yes, there is a thing called beauty.

Where does that leave those like Leah who may not be described as “beautiful of form and face”? We live in a fallen world, and that has created observable variations. But the fact seems to be (“Judge for yourselves”) that women have an innate desire for beauty, to be beautiful. And the lack of that beauty brings difficulties at many levels, which proves its importance to the human experience. Notice a young girl who fixes her hair when she is interested in attracting a boy. Or an older woman who spends time on her hair and makeup. In saying these things, we are not judging women’s desire to be attractive (and men’s desire for women’s beauty). Rather, this is one of the glorious ways God has created humankind.

Could it be that fallen-nature-obsession with human beauty can be one of the greatest distractions from seeing God’s glory and living in full submission to Him? That which is good can be a distraction from that which is best. In worship, God asks that we temporarily suppress the propensity and attraction of human beauty for the sake of giving full attention to God’s glory.

So ultimately the covering is a supreme compliment to women. And God affirms the idea that we are attracted to that beauty. But in worship, He asks that this beauty and desire be subsumed for the sake of His glory.

Lord, help me see Your glory and not let human beauty stand in the way.