Get your heart checked

The hijab, nijab and burka have become famous because of the insistence of much of the Muslim communities worldwide for their women to be wearing them when in public. This requirement is explained in many different ways. The habit and veil of the nuns of the Catholic Church is no different from the hijab. Please do not get me wrong. I am not for or against the hijab and the habit. The issue is what is the intent of this clothing. Paul in his letter states that women should have their heads covered. Everyone seems to be on the same page on this matter.

1 Corinthians 11:5-6
But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered.

Now before we head into an extended discussion on this matter, I hope we understand that many things in the outward expressions of the faith had to do with the culture of the day. The principle in each of these matters is this. All things are permissible but not everything is profitable. This included the next thing that Paul discusses. The Communion.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26
For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

We must remember the core of what the Communion is about and avoid any actions that will take us away from the core message of this activity. Let us continue to work on what is inside ourselves and the outward countenance will show up what is inside us. Dress and eating habits are the outward presentation of oneself, and says little of what is on the inside. What matters most is our hearts. Get your heart checked.

Father, help me check my heart to ensure that I am right with you, and let that come out in my outward appearance and glorify You.

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