Wear the Symbol of Authority with Honor

“¹⁰That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.” — 1 Corinthians 11:10 (ESV)

As I read this morning, I was required to dig deeper for understanding here with this passage and this verse. At first and without full understanding, it reads as though a wife should be fully submissive to the husband, even to the point of wearing a head covering for all to see that she was “taken”. And where it is true in God’s word for the wife to submit to the husband, it is not as barbaric as it sounds.

I read the commentary for the passage in my ESV Bible and found that where indeed the head covering was a symbol of the authority of the husband and that the wife is taken. The culture of the day dictated that the head covering was more in line with a wedding ring and not a symbol of full submission. In the culture I am a part of that wedding ring symbol even translates to the husband to demonstrate the marriage to and authority of the wife in the relationship and with the husband.

My wife and I have been married for over 25 years and in that time I have gone into public without my wedding ring so few times I do not even think that I have. I am proud to let everyone know that I am married and that I respect and have submitted authority to Lori. I know that she feels the same way. I feel that my wedding ring and what it represents is a part of me and not an add on to make someone see things or feel a certain way. I wear the symbol of authority with honor.

What is your relationship with your spouse? Are you submissive to their authority? What if you were to see and wear your symbol of marriage and authority with honor?